I have a hang on stand with 10 quality steps and a pull rope that has been in the tree since September and it is still there, I hunted out of it this morning with my flintlock. It is on private property but a good number of guys sneak thru trying to push the deer out quite often, the property is not posted, so they feel welcome somewhat. I always tie the rope a certain way to the lower steps when I leave, so I can tell if someone has squatted for a hunt in my stand. I doubt anyone would think to memorize the way it was tied. No body has touched it. We always hear of the thieves but never the number of honest guys that are out there. Or maybe I am just lucky. I'll fetch it out of the tree in the next few weeks.