The number of stands I have had stolen in the last 5 years is incredible. I use locks and chain, and they still take them, although it slows them down. My father in law and I are hunting a golf course that backs up to rt18. opening day of Shotgun, my father in law is in his tree. Sun comes up, and he can see 70 yards away a guy in a pop up - 20 yards from rt 18. This guy was dropped of on rt 18 - popped up, then left.

this week, my father law goes into his ladder stand, only to find his shooting rail has been taken. Brand new. No one else has permision to be in here. There is a local group that drives the golf course, even though they have no premission. But unless you are there to catch them - nothing we can do. The game wardens know them as well. But there is only one guy in this sector - and he is swamped! The unfortunatly thing is people tresspass, and steal you gear as they tresspass - AND, shoot what ever deer they see - WE let the year and 1/2 8 points go - and the local tresspassers kill them.

This is what NJ deer hunting has become. US bowhunters dont have it as bad, and we get our 2.5 month crack first, but once anytype of firearm hunting starts - the sport dissapears, and the contest begins