I live over 130 miles from my hunting ground and i didn't leave my stands up. Once i left a ladder and a climber and they were both stolen. This year i hunted mostly out of two ole man tara's with climbing sticks and i just finished getting them out of the woods. Next year i am going to do my bowhunting exclusively out of Wedgeloc stands so i'll be taking the stand in and out with me.

The theft factor being said, also think about wear and tear due to the elements. I wouldn't feel comfortable climbing into any hanging type stand that has been left in the elements for a year. JMO