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The Land Podcast - The Pursuit of Land Ownership and Investing
The Land Podcast - The Pursuit of Land Ownership and Investing
Author: Jake Hofer
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The Land Podcast is a platform for people looking to educate themselves in the world of land. If you're interested in the pursuit of land ownership, land investing, staying up to date with current land trends in the Midwest, and hearing from industry experts and professionals, then you're in the right place! Join Illinois licensed real estate broker Jake Hofer on his land journey and learn from some of the best in the land business along the way.
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Welcome to the land podcast, a platform for people looking to educate themselves in the world of land ownership, land investing, staying up to date with current land trends in the Midwest, and hearing from industry experts and professionals.
On today's episode, we are back in the studio with Josh Smith of Montana Knife Company.
We discuss:
Brand > product. Identity drives demand
Word-of-mouth beats paid ads
Start before you’re ready
Work your passion before quitting
Conviction attracts customers
Build with people better than you
Premium wins when it means something
DTC thrives on authenticity
Mentorship changes lives
American manufacturing still matters
And so much more!
Thanks again for all of the support from our partners—none of this would've been possible without them!
-Moultrie: https://bit.ly/moultrie_
-Hawke Optics | Use Code WHTL for 15% off: https://bit.ly/hawkeoptics_
-OnX: https://bit.ly/onX_Hunt
-Painted Arrow: bit.ly/PaintedArrow
- Buck Land Funding: https://www.firstbankers.com/bucklandfunding
- Latitude Outdoors: https://www.latitudeoutdoors.com/
- Whitetail Master Academy https://www.whitetailmasteracademy.com
- Use code 'HOFER' to save 10% off at www.theprairiefarm.com
- Massive potential tax savings: ASMLABS.Net
Welcome to the land podcast, a platform for people looking to educate themselves in the world of land ownership, land investing, staying up to date with current land trends in the Midwest, and hearing from industry experts and professionals.
On today's episode, we are back in the studio with Brent Davis.
We discuss:
Rental properties can collapse fast when systems and tenants fail simultaneously
Equity—not cash flow—was the true financial safety net during crisis
COVID exposed major vulnerabilities in rental property business models
Tenant relationships matter more than contracts in real-world investing
Scaling too fast can create unnecessary stress without more profit
Land can outperform rentals in value under the right conditions
Having strong local relationships is critical for real estate success
Risk tolerance and resilience are required to survive investing downturns
Refinancing can reset years of progress if forced under pressure
Long-term thinking is what ultimately separates winners from failures
And so much more!
Thanks again for all of the support from our partners—none of this would've been possible without them!
-Moultrie: https://bit.ly/moultrie_
-Hawke Optics | Use Code WHTL for 15% off: https://bit.ly/hawkeoptics_
-OnX: https://bit.ly/onX_Hunt
-Painted Arrow: bit.ly/PaintedArrow
- Buck Land Funding: https://www.firstbankers.com/bucklandfunding
- Latitude Outdoors: https://www.latitudeoutdoors.com/
- Whitetail Master Academy https://www.whitetailmasteracademy.com
- Use code 'HOFER' to save 10% off at www.theprairiefarm.com
- Massive potential tax savings: ASMLABS.Net
Welcome to the land podcast, a platform for people looking to educate themselves in the world of land ownership, land investing, staying up to date with current land trends in the Midwest, and hearing from industry experts and professionals.
On today's episode, we are back on the road at the Iowa Deer Classic talking with Jared Mills and Chris Jones.
We discuss:
Diversity in habitat consistently creates better deer movement and bedding
Low cover farms often outperform clean timber due to security and thermals
Tree plantings become huntable bedding cover in just 5–6 years
CRP farms offer income while building long-term hunting value
Recently logged farms can explode with deer activity after 3–5 years
Monoculture grass struggles unless broken up with structure and edge
Access strategy matters more than most hunters realize
Most farms can be improved—very few are truly “unfixable”
First land purchase is the hardest but unlocks future leverage
Waiting for a crash often means missing years of appreciation
And so much more!
Get Pre-Approved to Purchase a farm with Buck Land Funding: https://www.firstbankers.com/bucklandfunding
https://www.whitetailmasteracademy.com
Use code 'HOFER' to save 10% off at www.theprairiefarm.com
Massive potential tax savings: ASMLABS.Net
-Moultrie: https://bit.ly/moultrie_
-Hawke Optics: https://bit.ly/hawkeoptics_
-OnX: https://bit.ly/onX_Hunt
-Painted Arrow: https://bit.ly/PaintedArrow
Welcome to the land podcast, a platform for people looking to educate themselves in the world of land ownership, land investing, staying up to date with current land trends in the Midwest, and hearing from industry experts and professionals.
On today's episode, we are back in the studio talking with Buck Land Funding.
We discuss:
Recreational hunting land has evolved into a legitimate and growing asset class.
Interest rates and the broader economy heavily influence land buyer demand.
Many buyers upgrade farms every few years as stepping stones to larger tracts.
Pre-approval dramatically improves a buyer’s ability to secure competitive land deals.
Consumer debt like truck payments can drastically reduce land buying power.
Recreational land values have steadily risen alongside inflation long-term.
CRP conversions can turn lower-quality farmland into strong wildlife habitat.
COVID accelerated demand as people sought outdoor recreation and privacy.
Many land purchases are emotional decisions tied to family memories.
And so much more!
Get Pre-Approved to Purchase a farm with Buck Land Funding: https://www.firstbankers.com/bucklandfunding
https://www.whitetailmasteracademy.com
Use code 'HOFER' to save 10% off at www.theprairiefarm.com
Massive potential tax savings: ASMLABS.Net
-Moultrie: https://bit.ly/moultrie_
-Hawke Optics: https://bit.ly/hawkeoptics_
-OnX: https://bit.ly/onX_Hunt
-Painted Arrow: https://bit.ly/PaintedArrow
Welcome to the land podcast, a platform for people looking to educate themselves in the world of land ownership, land investing, staying up to date with current land trends in the Midwest, and hearing from industry experts and professionals.
On today's episode, we are back in the studio talking with Dalton Gilbert.
We discuss:
Building a home on land almost always costs 20–30% more than expected.
Sweat equity can dramatically reduce the cost of building your own home.
Interest rates can add hundreds per month during a build timeline.
Slab homes and shophouses are often the most economical build style.
Many hunters are relocating to Iowa for trophy whitetail opportunities.
Box blinds and standing crops are changing hunting strategies statewide.
Hunter efficiency today is leading to more mature bucks being harvested.
Whitetail hunting drives massive economic impact in rural counties.
Small local businesses thrive when hunters travel to hunt big deer.
Hard work matters, but family and integrity should always come first.
And so much more!
Get Pre-Approved to Purchase a farm with Buck Land Funding: https://www.firstbankers.com/bucklandfunding
https://www.whitetailmasteracademy.com
Use code 'HOFER' to save 10% off at www.theprairiefarm.com
Massive potential tax savings: ASMLABS.Net
-Moultrie: https://bit.ly/moultrie_
-Hawke Optics: https://bit.ly/hawkeoptics_
-OnX: https://bit.ly/onX_Hunt
-Painted Arrow: https://bit.ly/PaintedArrow
Welcome to the land podcast, a platform for people looking to educate themselves in the world of land ownership, land investing, staying up to date with current land trends in the Midwest, and hearing from industry experts and professionals.
On today's episode, we are back in the studio talking with Luke Hoeft.
We discuss:
You don’t “accidentally” own land — you prepare for it.
High-interest debt is a chain — remove it first.
Extreme focus for 18 months can change your life trajectory.
Side hustles compound when paired with discipline.
Budgeting is like giving yourself a raise.
Strong down payments create peace.
You don’t need massive capital to start a business.
The right land deal is often situational — timing + story matter.
In Texas, hunting land economics are different than the Midwest.
If your why doesn’t move you emotionally, you won’t endure the sacrifice.
And so much more!
Submit a question for Skip and Lee: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfUzgftdi_zWoAyrjgE5QFEY4Wz_VfokS5LG7kpzjXjSCvWAw/viewform
Get Pre-Approved to Purchase a farm with Buck Land Funding: https://www.firstbankers.com/bucklandfunding
https://www.whitetailmasteracademy.com
Use code 'HOFER' to save 10% off at www.theprairiefarm.com
Massive potential tax savings: ASMLABS.Net
-Moultrie: https://bit.ly/moultrie_
-Hawke Optics: https://bit.ly/hawkeoptics_
-OnX: https://bit.ly/onX_Hunt
-Painted Arrow: https://bit.ly/PaintedArrow
Welcome to the land podcast, a platform for people looking to educate themselves in the world of land ownership, land investing, staying up to date with current land trends in the Midwest, and hearing from industry experts and professionals.
On today's episode, we are back in the studio talking with Heath Cisco.
We discuss:
-Small farms can hunt bigger with the right neighbors.
-Sanctuary borders are priceless.
-Tree planting is an 8–20 year commitment.
-Hunters today are more effective than ever.
-Mature buck numbers in Ohio are declining.
-Access design matters more than acreage.
-Don’t overhunt your own farm.
-Box blinds build family hunting memories.
-Buy land sooner than you think.
-Think in decades, not seasons.
And so much more!
Submit a question for Skip and Lee: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfUzgftdi_zWoAyrjgE5QFEY4Wz_VfokS5LG7kpzjXjSCvWAw/viewform
Get Pre-Approved to Purchase a farm with Buck Land Funding
https://www.whitetailmasteracademy.com
Use code 'HOFER' to save 10% off at www.theprairiefarm.com
Massive potential tax savings: ASMLABS.Net
-Moultrie: https://bit.ly/moultrie_
-Hawke Optics: https://bit.ly/hawkeoptics_
-OnX: https://bit.ly/onX_Hunt
-Painted Arrow: https://bit.ly/PaintedArrow
Welcome to the land podcast, a platform for people looking to educate themselves in the world of land ownership, land investing, staying up to date with current land trends in the Midwest, and hearing from industry experts and professionals.
On today's episode, we are back in the studio talking with Jeff Helmers and Cathryn Howland.
We discuss:
Debt-free living accelerates land ownership.
Land rarely loses value over time.
40 acres can outperform larger farms.
Sanctuaries create daylight deer movement.
Fewer stands = more mature bucks.
Chestnuts outperform acorns 100:1.
Entry/exit is everything.
Stop thinking like a hunter — think like a deer.
Stack the odds instead of hunting luck.
Start small and build over time.
And so much more!
Get Pre-Approved to Purchase a farm with Buck Land Funding
https://www.whitetailmasteracademy.com
Use code 'HOFER' to save 10% off at www.theprairiefarm.com
Massive potential tax savings: ASMLABS.Net
-Moultrie: https://bit.ly/moultrie_
-Hawke Optics: https://bit.ly/hawkeoptics_
-OnX: https://bit.ly/onX_Hunt
-Painted Arrow: https://bit.ly/PaintedArrow
Welcome to the land podcast, a platform for people looking to educate themselves in the world of land ownership, land investing, staying up to date with current land trends in the Midwest, and hearing from industry experts and professionals.
On today's episode, we are back in the studio talking with Mark and Karissa Foster.
We discuss:
Buying land first reshapes every financial decision after
Frugality mattered more than income level
Focus beat timing — even in rising markets
Habitat obsession drove every choice
Nonresidents can manage land conservatively
Leaving crops for deer can outweigh short-term income
Age structure mattered more than antler size
Moving became inevitable once land ownership expanded
Iowa isn’t what it was in 2010 — but pockets still exist
Lifestyle fulfillment beat pure investment logic
And so much more!
Get Pre-Approved to Purchase a farm with Buck Land Funding
https://www.whitetailmasteracademy.com
Use code 'HOFER' to save 10% off at www.theprairiefarm.com
Massive potential tax savings: ASMLABS.Net
-Moultrie: https://bit.ly/moultrie_
-Hawke Optics: https://bit.ly/hawkeoptics_
-OnX: https://bit.ly/onX_Hunt
-Painted Arrow: https://bit.ly/PaintedArrow
Welcome to the land podcast, a platform for people looking to educate themselves in the world of land ownership, land investing, staying up to date with current land trends in the Midwest, and hearing from industry experts and professionals.
On today's episode, we are back in the studio talking with Shay Foulk.
We discuss:
Farm profits swing; land values follow short-term but trend up long-term.
Most farmland won’t cash flow at purchase — wealth is built over time.
Some farmers struggle, some break even, some thrive — planning separates them.
You can overpay for land and get trapped by principal + interest payments.
Tough ag cycles can create land buying windows for disciplined buyers.
Highest cash rent isn’t always best — stewardship and trust protect value.
Tile, drainage, and waterways can pay back for decades, not just years.
Cover crops protect soil, hold nutrients, and build long-term resilience.
Landowner-tenant communication prevents conflict and protects the farm.
Own assets early — even small land parcels shift your long-term trajectory.
And so much more!
Get Pre-Approved to Purchase a farm with Buck Land Funding
https://www.whitetailmasteracademy.com
Use code 'HOFER' to save 10% off at www.theprairiefarm.com
Massive potential tax savings: ASMLABS.Net
-Moultrie: https://bit.ly/moultrie_
-Hawke Optics: https://bit.ly/hawkeoptics_
-OnX: https://bit.ly/onX_Hunt
-Painted Arrow: https://bit.ly/PaintedArrow
Welcome to the land podcast, a platform for people looking to educate themselves in the world of land ownership, land investing, staying up to date with current land trends in the Midwest, and hearing from industry experts and professionals.
On today's episode, we are back in the studio talking with Jack Huston.
We discuss:
Isolation often beats acreage for growing mature bucks
Hands-off farms outperform hands-on farms for most buyers
Density hubs hold deer, not necessarily giant bucks
Small, isolated parcels can outperform large contiguous tracts
Herd management matters more than habitat projects
TSI dramatically increases carrying capacity
Famous counties often carry pressure, not potential
Warm season grasses shine early, not late season
Browse availability drives winter deer location
Buying the right neighborhood matters more than price
And so much more!
Get Pre-Approved to Purchase a farm with Buck Land Funding
https://www.whitetailmasteracademy.com
Use code 'HOFER' to save 10% off at www.theprairiefarm.com
Massive potential tax savings: ASMLABS.Net
-Moultrie: https://bit.ly/moultrie_
-Hawke Optics: https://bit.ly/hawkeoptics_
-OnX: https://bit.ly/onX_Hunt
-Painted Arrow: https://bit.ly/PaintedArrow
Welcome to the land podcast, a platform for people looking to educate themselves in the world of land ownership, land investing, staying up to date with current land trends in the Midwest, and hearing from industry experts and professionals.
On today's episode, we are back in the studio talking with Brian Nelson.
We discuss:
Living cheap created the flexibility to buy land early
Off-market deals can change everything
Land prices rarely come back down
Access improvements can transform a farm
Preparation sells land faster than listings
Land ownership opens unexpected opportunities
Delayed gratification fuels long-term wealth
Equity snowballs into future investments
Relationships matter more than timing
You don’t need perfection to start
And so much more!
Get Pre-Approved to Purchase a farm with Buck Land Funding
https://www.whitetailmasteracademy.com
Use code 'HOFER' to save 10% off at www.theprairiefarm.com
Massive potential tax savings: ASMLABS.Net
-Moultrie: https://bit.ly/moultrie_
-Hawke Optics: https://bit.ly/hawkeoptics_
-OnX: https://bit.ly/onX_Hunt
-Painted Arrow: https://bit.ly/PaintedArrow
Welcome to the land podcast, a platform for people looking to educate themselves in the world of land ownership, land investing, staying up to date with current land trends in the Midwest, and hearing from industry experts and professionals.
On today's episode, we are back in the studio talking with Josh McCall.
We discuss:
Action beats waiting for the “perfect” investment
Primary residences can be the best first real estate deal
Cash flow matters more than appreciation early on
Good lenders are as important as good properties
Sweat equity accelerates portfolio growth
Cheap materials usually cost more long-term
Rentals require patience before real profits appear
Reputation matters in small-town investing
Numbers must work before emotions do
Rentals can fund land ownership long-term
And so much more!
Get Pre-Approved to Purchase a farm with Buck Land Funding
https://www.whitetailmasteracademy.com
Use code 'HOFER' to save 10% off at www.theprairiefarm.com
Massive potential tax savings: ASMLABS.Net
-Moultrie: https://bit.ly/moultrie_
-Hawke Optics: https://bit.ly/hawkeoptics_
-OnX: https://bit.ly/onX_Hunt
-Painted Arrow: https://bit.ly/PaintedArrow
Welcome to the land podcast, a platform for people looking to educate themselves in the world of land ownership, land investing, staying up to date with current land trends in the Midwest, and hearing from industry experts and professionals.
On today's episode, we are back on the road in Iowa talking with Steve Hanson.
We discuss:
First quarter drives most recreational land sales
Interest rate drops brought buyers back to market
Overpricing often benefits investors, not sellers
Access and curb appeal directly impact value
Trail-cam data helps prove a farm’s potential
Cash buyers often beat higher contingent offers
Not all improvements return their cost
1031 exchanges can create risky debt loads
Farms rarely sell best during hunting season
Waiting for a perfect farm stops buyers cold
And so much more!
Get Pre-Approved to Purchase a farm with Buck Land Funding
https://www.whitetailmasteracademy.com
Use code 'HOFER' to save 10% off at www.theprairiefarm.com
Massive potential tax savings: ASMLABS.Net
-Moultrie: https://bit.ly/moultrie_
-Hawke Optics: https://bit.ly/hawkeoptics_
-OnX: https://bit.ly/onX_Hunt
-Painted Arrow: https://bit.ly/PaintedArrow
Welcome to the land podcast, a platform for people looking to educate themselves in the world of land ownership, land investing, staying up to date with current land trends in the Midwest, and hearing from industry experts and professionals.
On today's episode, we are back in the studio bringing you some of our favorite lessons that we learned throughout the year.
We discuss:
Action beats overthinking—analysis only works if you eventually move forward.
Start with what you can afford and let equity snowball into bigger ground.
Off-farm income is often what makes long-term land ownership sustainable.
Buy land as an investment first—great hunting follows smart purchases.
One well-located big farm can outperform multiple scattered small ones.
Land close to home gets hunted, managed, and enjoyed far more often.
Smaller “feeder farms” can be traded up into a core property over time.
Targeted letters and patience can unlock deals years later.
Your neighbors often matter more than your habitat plan.
Land is an asset—not an identity—sell it if it becomes a burden.
And so much more!
Get Pre-Approved to Purchase a farm with Buck Land Funding
https://www.whitetailmasteracademy.com
Use code 'HOFER' to save 10% off at www.theprairiefarm.com
Massive potential tax savings: ASMLABS.Net
-Moultrie: https://bit.ly/moultrie_
-Hawke Optics: https://bit.ly/hawkeoptics_
-OnX: https://bit.ly/onX_Hunt
-Painted Arrow: https://bit.ly/PaintedArrow
Welcome to the land podcast, a platform for people looking to educate themselves in the world of land ownership, land investing, staying up to date with current land trends in the Midwest, and hearing from industry experts and professionals.
On today's episode, we are back in the studio with our guest Kyle Heuerman. We discuss:
The real risk isn’t buying land — it’s letting fear stop you from starting.
You don’t need to be wealthy to buy land — you need a plan and discipline.
Land offers multiple income paths beyond appreciation (timber, easements, development rights).
Most people who give land advice have never owned land themselves.
The first land purchase is the hardest — every one after that gets easier.
Buying larger acreage often lowers your price per acre and improves long-term returns.
Bad listings and overlooked properties often hide the best opportunities.
Owning land changes how you think about hunting, conservation, and value.
You can recover from a bad deal — but you can’t recover missed opportunities.
Land builds both financial wealth and a level of peace you can’t get elsewhere
And so much more!
Get Pre-Approved to Purchase a farm with Buck Land Funding
https://www.whitetailmasteracademy.com
Use code 'HOFER' to save 10% off at www.theprairiefarm.com
Massive potential tax savings: ASMLABS.Net
-Moultrie: https://bit.ly/moultrie_
-Hawke Optics: https://bit.ly/hawkeoptics_
-OnX: https://bit.ly/onX_Hunt
-Painted Arrow: https://bit.ly/PaintedArrow
Welcome to the land podcast, a platform for people looking to educate themselves in the world of land ownership, land investing, staying up to date with current land trends in the Midwest, and hearing from industry experts and professionals.
On today's episode, we are back in the studio with our guest Kyle Heuerman. We discuss:
Anyone can own land if they’re willing to sacrifice
The first piece of ground is always the hardest
Waiting for land prices to fall usually backfires
Discipline today creates freedom tomorrow
Land should be viewed as both an asset and a legacy
Selective logging improves habitat and long-term value
Income streams can accelerate land payoff
Owning land requires long-term patience
Instant gratification works against land ownership
You don’t own land forever—it’s your responsibility to improve it
And so much more!
Get Pre-Approved to Purchase a farm with Buck Land Funding
https://www.whitetailmasteracademy.com
Use code 'HOFER' to save 10% off at www.theprairiefarm.com
Massive potential tax savings: ASMLABS.Net
-Moultrie: https://bit.ly/moultrie_
-Hawke Optics: https://bit.ly/hawkeoptics_
-OnX: https://bit.ly/onX_Hunt
-Painted Arrow: https://bit.ly/PaintedArrow
Welcome to the land podcast, a platform for people looking to educate themselves in the world of land ownership, land investing, staying up to date with current land trends in the Midwest, and hearing from industry experts and professionals.
On today's episode, we are back in the studio with our guest Logan Shulenberger. We discuss:
Logan’s military background and how it shaped his approach to land ownership
Overcoming the intimidation of buying land for the first time
The step-by-step process he followed to identify a good property
Financing considerations for active-duty or high-travel professionals
Mistakes first-time buyers make and how to avoid them
How his long-term goals influenced acreage, location, and features
His advice for anyone wanting to take the leap into land
Can you use the VA Loan to buy land?
And so much more!
Get Pre-Approved to Purchase a farm with Buck Land Funding
https://www.whitetailmasteracademy.com
Use code 'HOFER' to save 10% off at www.theprairiefarm.com
Massive potential tax savings: ASMLABS.Net
-Moultrie: https://bit.ly/moultrie_
-Hawke Optics: https://bit.ly/hawkeoptics_
-OnX: https://bit.ly/onX_Hunt
-Painted Arrow: https://bit.ly/PaintedArrow
Welcome to the land podcast, a platform for people looking to educate themselves in the world of land ownership, land investing, staying up to date with current land trends in the Midwest, and hearing from industry experts and professionals.
On today's episode, we are back in the studio with our guest Josh. We discuss:
Josh’s background in fishing, hunting, and part-time work
How he began searching for land and what motivated the purchase
Challenges and surprises during the land-buying process
The emotional and personal value of owning land
Thoughts on finances, mortgages, and building a cabin gradually
Using the property for hunting, recreation, and family time
Learning as he goes—mistakes made and lessons learned
Why younger people should consider land earlier than they think
How outdoor passions guided major life decisions
The long-term vision for his property and lifestyle
And so much more!
Get Pre-Approved to Purchase a farm with Buck Land Funding
https://www.whitetailmasteracademy.com
Use code 'HOFER' to save 10% off at www.theprairiefarm.com
Massive potential tax savings: ASMLABS.Net
-Moultrie: https://bit.ly/moultrie_
-Hawke Optics: https://bit.ly/hawkeoptics_
-OnX: https://bit.ly/onX_Hunt
-Painted Arrow: https://bit.ly/PaintedArrow
Welcome to the land podcast, a platform for people looking to educate themselves in the world of land ownership, land investing, staying up to date with current land trends in the Midwest, and hearing from industry experts and professionals.
On today's episode, we are back in the studio with a november update. We discuss:
Hunting goals shift as life seasons change.
Intentional decisions matter more each season.
Passing bucks becomes part of long-term vision.
Experience shapes how hunters see the land.
Growth comes from learning each year's lessons.
Managing time and priorities changes the hunt.
The story centers on evolving as a woodsman.
Patience becomes a bigger part of success.
Thinking ahead replaces chasing every chance.
The theme is personal growth through hunting.
And so much more!
Get Pre-Approved to Purchase a farm with Buck Land Funding
https://www.whitetailmasteracademy.com
Use code 'HOFER' to save 10% off at www.theprairiefarm.com
Massive potential tax savings: ASMLABS.Net
-Moultrie: https://bit.ly/moultrie_
-Hawke Optics: https://bit.ly/hawkeoptics_
-OnX: https://bit.ly/onX_Hunt
-Painted Arrow: https://bit.ly/PaintedArrow



