that is annoying, I think all stands creak/make noise, climbers walking to yoru stand with it on your back, metal banging, can be a pain. can try to sliente them up, bt good luck, in some waysI wonder if were bette roff hunting on the ground. course I like being up in the air in the morning before light, boogey man can get you on the ground! I've seen him a few times too! buy a ladder, leave it out, lock it up. also maybe there's a reason he gave it to you?