I hunt mainly private property and will only use hang on stands (well, am going to get a two-man ladder stand this year for me and my boy). I leave them in the tree all year round. I know you can't do that on public land, but to me, they have many advantages over climbers - they are more mobile (to me anyway), easier to get in the tree, you don't have to cut all the branches off to get up in a tree, they are more secure when using ratchet straps and are lighter and less bulky to carry in and out. I do hunt public land once a year when me and my buddy take our week long hunting trip up north. I've never had a problem with theft, but it is not uncommon. One draw back. That's why I've always used cheap stands. I've had many types of stands over the years and found that the $59 River's Edge works the best for the money. I've used a climber before and hated it. Maybe it's a thing where you get used to it, but I personally think that hang ons are the way to go.