I did this one year and had about six stands stolen! Last year I was scouting and looked on the ajoining(sp?) property and guess what I saw? One of my tree stands! But guess what I did. I was the bigger man and left it. If I was you I wouldn't take the chance.

I can leave mine up in all places I hunt but one. Only in the property will it be sure to be stolen. I also know where other's stands are and they leave there's up too. But I do take mine down to check bolts, washers, and overall condition, before putting them back up. I also cover up the seats with plastic bags or the like so the darn bugs and squirrels won't eat them.

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

You can leave them up...... BUT.... things happen. I'm not talking about theft either. Trees grow, stands get grown in, screw in steps become permanent, rust attacks bolts(always where you can't see it) Things get weak. I left a hang-on up for 3 years now. forget the steps and the future of the tree. The stand site is no longer good. Patterns change. Unless you have lots of them out I'd pull them. Grease and oil up screws when you bring them home and wipe off the access. They'll last a lot longer. Next summer take a couple trips to check out new patterns, hang some stands, trim some limbs and have an excuse for getting out.<img src=icon_smile_big.gif border=0 align=middle> The worst thing that ever happened to me from leaving a stand was having a bunch of hornets build a nest under the seat. I didn't see it and then let me know just before good light I wasn't welcome. YEEEEEEEOOOWWWWWWWW