RE: when to put up my stand
Depends on how safe the area is. I would hate to see it get stolen. The straps should be fine as long as some critter does not chew thru them. A tree does not grow that fast, especially not one large enough to put a stand in.
Our season starts October 1st and I like to have my stands in during august if I can get to it. Some places I don't know if I would leave on over night though[&o].
Paul