You're not alone. I had a friend get his tree stand and ladder sticks stolen this year. The hunting ethincs of the younger hunters today is horrid. I would really like to put an old fashion bear trap a the base of my tree by my ladder and just wait for someone to try and steal it. It would probably stop them but then I would probably get sued.
As for poachers, I don't agree with the statement that "well if they need it for food....." Nonsense. Its flat out illegal...period. Haven't they ever heard of food for the hungry? Heck, I just gave 1/2 of my deer to my cousin becaue he can't hunt anymore. And gave some to my mother. I just kept a some steaks, about 5 lb of burger and 3 roasts.