I'm a young guy, pretty athletic, and I've often found hang-ones set up on public land with no ladder or steps. I carry rope with me to hoist, and more than once I've free climbed the tree, or climbed with a Prussic knot and occupied those stands.
I'm a decent guy so I leave the stands as I found them, but my point is, any stand left on public land can be subject to theft even without steps. Especially if you're on a budget, I'd pack in and pack out your setup .... A climber is probably a smart choice.
If money is no object, sure you can leave it and not worry too much, but if a stolen stand ends your season, I wouldn't leave it.