I guess in our state the law says that a stand on public land is up for public use. However, that being said, ethics tell me another thing. Its not my stand, not my work putting it up, etc. So, I wouldn't use it. However, if I was to use and the owner of the stand came, I would gladly leave....because the tree and land may be public but the stand itself is his/hers. Best thing is, leave it alone. Find somewhere else to hunt and put up ones own stand.