I've jumped in on many threads dealing with this topic and every time I run hot!!!
At the ATA show I came across the www.trail-pod.com this is a camera tree mount, that allows you to put your camera higher in a tree and angles the camera to the ground. It will NOT prevent theft (UNFORETUNATELY) but it's a deterrence, as the THIEF will have to get up into the tree to remove the camera.
You can put the camera up using a ladder and remove the ladder after setting up the camera.
The only negatice to this is, you'll need something to get up the tree every time you want to remove the memory stick and change the batteries--but I guess that's easier than having to replace a camera.