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Well the thieving sons of *****s got me. I get up this morning get dress almost did not go but i did. I go sign in go to my spot and head in.
I got there a little late and the sunrise time seem to be off. So it was just a little light out enough i did not need a flash light to get to my stand.
I get about 40 yards from me stand and notice something. The stand seemed to be sitting rather low to the ground.
i get to the stand and what do i see. The bottom to sections of ladder are gone. Both the new 10.00 a piece ratchet straps i bought the first week of sept are gone. The stand sits on one section of ladder and is on the ground. Now i realize what has happen. I must have used every word in the 4 letter column and i bet every deer for 2 miles heard me.

Some body took my straps and two sections of my ladder not sure why. I figure they wanted the stand and when they got it on the ground found out it had a cable lock through the main frame.
I thought for a second i was going to have a heart attack i could not breath and my chest hurt. Then my head started hurting. i would like to know what my blood pressure was when it happen.

i came home went to check out and told the office. The guy took my name address and number butjust said sorry it happens.

I told him i was going to go pull it out so it did not get stolen. Then i asked if i need to sign in to go squirrel hunting. He gave me a funny look.

My dad and I went to pull it out. I took the shotgun in case i found some ( tree rats ). Dangest thing though i loaded the gun with number 4s and 00 buck shot so i could not go squirrel hunting .

I wish they had been back there when i came back. Hate to think what i would have done. Since i did not have a shovel with me.

It could be worst they could have gotten it all. I plan to hit the local archery shop just in case they try and sell the ladder. It is hand sprayed camo so it is going to stick out. Might drive around and check a few stands i know are hanging up.

Another odd thing is. A week after i set my stand someone set a one man on field i walk down. TO get to my stand you must walk down the field then right under theres. I worry i might walk on top of them. But i was there first so i really do not see it being my fault.
His stand is smaller has no lock and is right on the field. Why did someone pass his by to steal mine. I wonder if he did not take them so he had the area to him self.
When we left i pop off a shot into the tree tops. Figured if someone had to steal my stuff to hunt i would ruin the hunt for them if they were around.

Normally i would not have done that but no one was signed in to the area so no one should have been back there. I noticed by the other stand someone set up some tinks scent bombs. They were not there when i headed out the first time.
My dad said i should have used the other stand for target practice. But i did not know for sure it was him so I did not. If i had known for sure that stand would be in the swamp.

Sorry for the long post. Do any of you know where i can buy replacement ladder sections.