Tree stand security

[eng30312]

I just got a new climber stand and was wondering about securing my stand with a cable lock. I do realize that any locking device can be cut off with something like a battery powered angle grinder, but I do not plan to leave the stand locked to a tree for extended periods. I am mostly concerned about using my stand on public lands as I usually sign-up for a quota hunt on a WMA or State Park each year.

I like to hunt at least a quarter mile from any road or easy access (Google Earth and GPS is the greatest thing since sliced bread). What I would like to do, is haul my stand into the woods the evening before the hunt and lock it up so I don’t have to carry it into the woods in the morning with all my other gear. If I kill a deer, I will have to lock my stand to the tree and go back for it after I drag the deer out to my vehicle, but that shouldn’t be a problem for such a short time.

So what do ya’ll think? How likely is it to have my stand stolen over night? Quota hunts seem a bit safer since there are sure to be game wardens there (not to mention other hunters). Do you think that if I had a substantial enough cable that it couldn’t be cut with a bolt cutter, that a potential thief would think it too risky to either make a bunch of noise, or hack away at it for a long time?

 

[303tom]

Would not have any idea, I have been hunting for over 40 years, never hunted from a tree.

 

[wyohome]

No idea, but I would not share my hunting area with thieves.

 

[bejay]

would give it a try and see what happens most all locks could be cut easy enough if someone wants it bad enough, but it could make it a little more difficult for someone to steal.
ive been using stands on public land for about 5 years and sometimes with a lock sometimes not they stay up for 2-3 months havent really had a problem as of yet.

 

[blarby]

Locks have never truly prevented thieves.

They keep honest people honest.

-From a valid viewpoint.


I would say however, that a decent cable lock on a treestand 1/4 mile from a road is probably as good as you are going to get.

I highly doubt the hunters in your area would be tempted to lug around a set of decent boltcutters, let alone grinding equipment, on the off chance they happen across a platform they like....for the same reason its inconvenient for you to transport it.

Unless there is wholesale thievery being reported in the area, i'd say you are OK.

 

[jrdolall]

I have left stands on public hunting land for a few days with no issues and have had stands stolen when I left them on private land for too long. A decent lock should keep it safe for several days since, as mentioned above, very few hunters carry bolt cutters. We don't have a lot of pressure on public land so your situation may be different

 

[buck460XVR]

On many areas of public land it is illegal to leave your tree stand unattended or left up overnight. Check your local hunting regs. As others have said, if someone really wants to steal it they will, but very few folks carry battery powered angle grinders in their backpack while hiking thru the woods. Any deterrent is better than nuttin'.

 

[eng30312]

State of GA WMA's allow you to place a stand the day before and you have to remove it no later than noon the day after for big game hunts.

 

[inclinebench]

As a little added security, you could get a metal etching device which usually run about $10 and put your name all over it, or some other markings to make it more identifiable. Might not make a huge difference to a theif, but then again, it could help.
Hard to sell stuff when it is obviousley not his, and hard to explain to folks why he has a stand with someone elses name all over it.

 

[fallout mike]

I have several uncles that hunt a WMA. They leave their stands up all season unsecured and never had an issue. Some stands in hard to get in areas stay up year round. Never had one stolen.

 

[Yarddog]

I'll echo what others said, I have left stands all over well hunted areas & not have it touched,, Then I've put some on less hunted Lease & have em stolen ; )
Y/D

 

[Mudinyeri]

As a little added security, you could get a metal etching device which usually run about $10 and put your name all over it, or some other markings to make it more identifiable. Might not make a huge difference to a theif, but then again, it could help.
Hard to sell stuff when it is obviousley not his, and hard to explain to folks why he has a stand with someone elses name all over it.

Alternatively, you could paint it flourescent pink.

 

[Skyshot]

I leave climbers in Ohio and in Tennessee all year. I find a large downed tree and lock the stand to it and then pile up sticks and branches to camo them. You just gotta find a place that you can remember the location. I've got one that's been in the same spot for 15 years.

 

[mcdonl]

When someone invented the term "Crap" happens, it was in regards to tree stands being stolen. Lock it up, put your name on it but if you show up and it is gone dont let it ruin your hunt.

 

[Certaindeaf]

You don't really need an angle grinder or bolt cutters when you have a 30-06.
I think you'll be fine.

 

[BBQLS1]

I'd think a couple of days would work fine as long as there isn't a lot of crime going on in the area.