The very first thing I do when in doubt about a treestand is get a good chain and lock it onto the tree. I highly doubt that most people would go through the trouble to get the stand. I hunt in areas that are far enoughaway from the roadthat the chances of somone seeing my stand is slim anyway. But, if I were to catch someone trying to steal it I would yell at them to try and scare them away first. If that did not work I would probably confront them and tell them it was my stand. If all else fails I would walk back to the truck and call the warden, or follow the person until they gave up or went to their vehicle. Getting arrested and/or shot is not worth the cost of a treestand.