Abandoned treestands

[PUBLIC RAT]

So today I was scouting some public land for next deer season. I was far off the road but maybe 150yards from property line. No main trail,I actually had to trim briars to advance. Ran into this treestand set on top of hill. Looked abandoned to me,seat rotted out,straps on steps were taunt and molded, just starting to grow into tree. Last year scouted different areas off the path and found ladder stands fallen over and some sets that I was impressed with. Found 1 where cables had broke and dangling, seat rotted out and straps growing in tree,hope that person didn't fall. Oh well not my stuff, I take mine down.

 

[Feedman]

I believe that I would cabbage on that

 

[mudhole crossing]

I believe that I would cabbage on that

Yes me too. They definitely ain’t coming back for them.

 

[KY_Swamp_Beagler]

I see stuff like that all the time hunting public. It’s my understanding you’re supposed to remove it after season, which I take to mean by March 1.

 

[Little FR]

I found a stand in the woods, figured I would leave it there and hunt it the next season. Went out there, dude was sitting in it. Talked to him one day at parking, he had 3 out there, been there for years….

Found a few of these as well.

 

[PUBLIC RAT]

I see stuff like that all the time hunting public. It’s my understanding your supposed to remove it after season, which I take to mean by March 1.

Deer season ended a month ago, treestand should be removed a week after close.

 

[chadwimc]

Is it your land? Is it your stand? No? Then its not yours. It ain't rocket surgery...

 

[HeadedWest]

Is it your land? Is it your stand? No? Then its not yours. It ain't rocket surgery...

I agree with the general idea BUT that is “our” tree the stand is attached. If a feller decides to leave that stand and the tree grows around it best case or dies worst case it has now affected revenue for KDFWR or wildlife value, which in turn directly affects sportsman.

I’ve never taken one down, but the thought has crossed my mind MANY times when you see them in the shape like OP shared.

 

[KY_Swamp_Beagler]

Years ago in college, a buddy of mine got a wildlife violation. His penalty was going out to a heavily used WMA in summer and removing the stands that were left. He had to fight the skeeters, ticks and heat, but the silver lining was they let him keep any stands he wanted.

 

[countryboy3006]

I wouldn't take any stand left out myself but I do wish the WMAs would remove the stands that are left out after the season. Most of the WMAs that I have been on have old stands left up all over them.

 

[xilk123]

Someone paid for the stand and hung it. If you are so bothered by it being left up longer than it should be after season contact the Game warden and let them deal with it and leave contact info for the person. Don't use it as a excuse to steal someones stand. It isn't yours leave it be. Life happens maybe you get sick or injured and go back a couple months later and your stand has been stolen. Im just a different mindset if it isn't mine I am not gonna take it. I never really understood why people get so bothered if a stands left anyway. They just hang them back in the same spot when season rolls back around.

 

[James Scott White]

So today I was scouting some public land for next deer season. I was far off the road but maybe 150yards from property line. No main trail,I actually had to trim briars to advance. Ran into this treestand set on top of hill. Looked abandoned to me,seat rotted out,straps on steps were taunt and molded, just starting to grow into tree. Last year scouted different areas off the path and found ladder stands fallen over and some sets that I was impressed with. Found 1 where cables had broke and dangling, seat rotted out and straps growing in tree,hope that person didn't fall. Oh well not my stuff, I take mine down.

Throw them in the truck. They ain’t coming back.

 

[WildmanWilson]

The game department does not have enough manpower to go removing every stand left on public land. Some people leave them up and claim the spot every year like they own it. I don’t know the legality of removing them after time has expired but I don’t feel sorry for one being taken after time is up. There’s no excuse to leave it. I hate a thief but if the stand is on public land after season then maybe the law says it’s free game. I don’t know. Just remove your stand and problems solved.

 

[woodsman92]

If you take a tree stand that someone else paid for, carried in and hung up, then I see that as stealing. I mean I agree stands on public should be taken down as the law is written. They are supposed to be tagged too with your info, I guess if you find a brand new stand during season and it’s not tagged you can just carry it out with you too? If it’s been there a while I may hunt out of it. Or if you want to prove a point without being a thief, take it down and leave it laying on the ground.

 

[ManofManyStangs]

There is an abandoned stand on my lease, I know its there but I won't touch it. I have no need for others stuff.