Preparing For Your Exchange

Putting together a packet of information and anything else that will make your exchange partner feel at home would be an excellent idea and they will more than likely do the same for you. The more information you gather for your exchange partners the more comfort and ease you'll both feel.

When preparing for an exchange you'll want to consider some of the following:

Your Land

• Leave instructions as to where the lines to your property are. Possibly, mark the lines to make sure your exchange partner doesn't accidentally wander onto your neighbors property.
• Scout the area prior to your exchange partner's arrival so you can advise them where the most activity has been.
• Give your exchange partner access to a plat book if you have one, marking which areas cover your land or public land along with directions on how to get there. If you have any topographical maps to your land or public land, that could be helpful too.
• If there are permanent stands on your land show them where they are, or note on topographical maps.
• If you and your exchange partner have a GPS, leave coordinates to various key locations.

Equipment

• If you're offering any equipment, be sure to leave instructions and a note as to where they can locate it.
• If offering your 4 wheeler, boat, or vehicle, make sure the owner's manuals are handy along with written instructions if needed.
• Leave copies of your insurance and registration on vehicle and other motorized vehicles.
• Make sure your equipment ( rifle, bow, fishing poles, etc) are in good working condition.
• Bring accessories to take care of your game, i.e., knife, saw, drag rope, hanging rope, etc.
• Don't forget a compass, GPS, and proper clothing for the area and season.

Contacts

• Advise you're family, friends and neighbors of your exchange so they know about your exchange partner's arrival.
• If you're not going to be in the area, leave a list of contacts for them in case of an emergency, including a way to get a hold of you.
• Arrange for your exchange partner to meet a family member, friend or neighbor. Especially if you're not going to be in the area, this will give both you and your exchange partner a certain level of ease and comfort.

General

• Leave a list of local restaurants along with directions.
• Be sure you're in good physical condition for the outdoor activity you're exchanging.
• If offering your cabin, make sure it's clean and presentable, the same as your exchange partner will do for you.
• If there are appliances, be sure to leave directions or owner's manuals.
• Lock up or put away any valuables you might be concerned about.
• Make sure basic supplies are stocked up, such as toilet paper, soap, cleaning supplies.
• Leave directions to places that might be of interest to them, such as grocery stores, shooting ranges, sportsman stores, gas stations, etc.