I have 13 stands up on public right now. Some likely won't get hunted til november, and if i tag out in oct or early nov, some likely wont get hunted at all. Add into the mix that there are always some abandoned stands out there, i never write an area off because of stands. Plus, when hunting mobile, especially when setting up in the dark, you really have no idea if you're setting up near someone elses stand anyways. If i see another hunter, i stay clear, but i don't avoid an area just cause there are stands there.