They are trying to keep themselves from being seen most likely. You should put a lock on the cam and also lock it to the tree. I'm with you on hating thieves. If you don't mind saying, what piece of TVA land? You can PM me if you want that info more private. I have had up to 5 camera's out on TVA land and nobody ever messed with them. Some smiling waving faces, some oblivious passers-by, but nobody ever messed around the with the camera's. I always use dog chains and padlocks or Python cable locks.
Well, I tried to find a PM option but couldn't find it anywhere. Last weekend of the season so really doesn't matter I don't guess and isn't some small tuck that is hard to find or get to. It's out near Sequoyah.
There is a blind setup that is about 75 yards from where I hung it. I didn't notice it before. Thought about sitting on it but not worth a confrontation in the woods over SD card and possible photos. Not like they would admit to it if I asked them anyway.
I was too eager to get a Python lock and figured 3 days out there would be safe. Guess not. Even thought about putting a second camera back on it and out of line of sight hoping they'd come by again. Then I realized I was more concerned about this thief than finding a deer.
I am going to get a lock for sure now but I just pulled the camera that day and moved it somewhere else on a different property and have had some action on it. Now I have it back on my private property that has deer but not able to hunt it. Just for pics now.