RE: stolen again!!
I also had that happen and I take my ladder stick out with me now each time I hunt. I have also devised a lock cable to keep my ladder stick there. I lock each stand I place - as I trust no one!
Those people who steal your stuff are just Slob Hunters who give us all a bad name! That is the reason I cut no slack to tresspassers and turn in all people poaching!
JW