Congrats on getting it back. Maybe they just thought they were taking a stand down that someone put up who was not suppose to be there. I personally have removed stands from my property that did not belong. I had one guy call me for his climber and I put it back on his doorstep with the understanding that this would be the only time I would return it. Another climber in a different spot I just removed it from the tree bottom and left it lying there....figured they would get the hint. I have no problem taking stands off my property and if they don't get claimed....well I guess I'll keep'em. Good Luck and at least you have it back