I haven't stolen one, but i've taken one off of private property. I was the only one that had permission to be on the property and the landowner said it was out. I hunt mostly public land and the rules say no stands left over night so as no one is staking claim to a specific spot. I don't leave my stand there, but I have tree pegs up all over the place so I just pack my stand in and out every night. It sucks, especially since I walk a couple miles to some sets. I hope to have a lease next year so that I could leave stands in.