I guess the laws in Texas are different, if you are caught on someone else's property stealing and they shoot you they will not be charged with any crimes. The law states that you have the right to protect yourself and your propertyby by use of extreme force. With that being said, I would assume things will happen differently where I live versus where some of you guys live I have been hunting for 30 years and can't recall having one thing stolen.
I do recall being with my grandfather when I was about 9 and we were in our stand hunting over a cultivated little field and while we were sitting there a fellow came along and layed down right under the fence line and commenced to watching my grandfathers field. He politely shot right in the ground within 10 feet or so of this fellow and then told him that he missed on purpose. Needless to say my grandfather never had any more poachers on his place. I guess when the law allows you to protect yourself and your property to that extent it slows the crimes down a bit. I know it still happens but I have never had that happen to me personally. If it did I would be very upset but not sure exactly how farI would go until it happens I guess,but by law I can use whatever means necessary to protect myself and/or my property.

EDIT: I re-read this and I want to add something, I would not take another's life over a tree stand just because the law will allow it. I will say this though, I believe b/c the laws are the way they is whyI have never had any of my stuff stolen though.

However ifsomeone messeswith my family, I will have to account for that whenI meet my maker b/c that individual will meet his early.

I'll mind my own business if it really isn't affecting me. Shooting towards me or something like that. I don't know the history of those people. Are they ex cons or someone pissed off at the world. I'll avoid that. As for reporting them, then chances are without some proof, I'd have to go to court or something. That ain't worth my time either.

We should all be as lucky as Texas. It would be so cool to shoot someone out of your treestand. Most other places you would have to put your throwaway in his hand.
I'm betting not alot of stands go missing in TX...

I do agree with that. I think a landowner should have the right to protect his/her land in a way they deem necessary.