That sucks, dude. Unfortunately, sooner or later this is bound to happen anywhere the public has access to it. Once I lost a hanging stand to theft and they took my locks too...not sure what good they'd do without the key. It's at that point that I decided to use only a climber or pack-in ground blind on public land. I sleep better at night knowing I have all of my gear under my control at all times. Also, Joe Schmoe is much less likely to stumble on my spot and decide to set up 30 yards away because he was lazy and found a ladder chained to a tree.

The best rule of thumb on public land is to leave no trace for anyone else to find, and you'll preserve your spot that much longer (assuming you didn't put it in an obvious, easily accessed spot to begin with). I save my ladder stand, etc for private property. Besides, in most places it's not legal to leave a stand on public land overnight.

Live and learn...

edit: Definitely take the previous poster up on his offer if you can! I'd kill to get a Lone Wolf at cost :drool: They're awesome stands and is the next thing on my must-have list (will have to wait until next year...bought a new bow this year).