we leave our stands up year around. it all depends upon where you hunt.2 years ago the place i hunted was horrible.they stole everything and even went in and out of our trailor.nothing was stolen there.i have a 10' tall 5x7 metal insulated blind. we have stands along the river and they have not been bothered. we also leave our feeders up.the owner lives about 300 yds from the gate.