i want to be logger

ryguy777 · March 11, 2013, 06:51:51 PM

hello everyone

im 16 years old, about to finish high school, and i want to be a logger. i would one day like to be able to skid logs with a team of mules, and own a portable sawmill. as of now i have a ford 8n tractor, and few old homelites that i use for firewood and to maintian my familys property. my cousin who has a firewood buisness tought me how to fall trees (i could use more practice) could you guys possibly give me a few pointers on how to get there, maybe how you got started, ext. any input would be greatly apreiciated, thanks!

saxon0364 · March 11, 2013, 07:16:30 PM

Its a dirty, rough, dangerous, and low paying job kid. And most of us that log love every minute of it. How do you start? Depends a lot on where you live. Where I am, in PA, it seems to me most new guys start out running a skidder and bucking on the landing. Then if they want to they start learning how to fall trees. There's a lot more to it than just cutting them down.
Out on the west coast I think, (I'm not real sure) new guys out there start setting chokers with the high line crews.
Logging is a job you learn while doing it. Cant learn it in a college.
Wait till your 18, find a logging crew and go ask about a job. When you get turned down, and you most likely will, ask them if they know any body that might give you a try. Keep asking till someone hires you. Dont give up till someone gives in.
But be warned young man, logging is something that once started is hard to quit. Ive know many loggers that quit and came back to the woods time after time. Its a lifestyle.
Im sure other loggers will ad to what Ive said and your going to hear different opinions. Thats okay, just keep to your goal.. If I can answer any specific questions for you I'll certainly try.

ryguy777 · March 11, 2013, 08:32:39 PM

thanks for the input, im in upstate new york so starting would be about the same i would think
thanks

ArborJake · March 11, 2013, 09:05:22 PM

First go by a mule. If you can get it to do what you want him to, the logging part will be easy.

pasbuild · March 11, 2013, 09:17:54 PM

Quote from: ArborJake on March 11, 2013, 09:05:22 PM
First go by a mule. If you can get it to do what you want him to, the logging part will be easy.

:D :D :D :D

thecfarm · March 11, 2013, 09:27:04 PM

Second,Get an education.Welcome to the forum.

chevytaHOE5674 · March 11, 2013, 09:31:15 PM

If you want to work for yourself I recommend taking some business and accounting classes. Cutting and skidding trees is only part of the job. The other part is running a business and managing the books.

coxy · March 11, 2013, 09:35:54 PM

ARE YOU NUTS :D :D :D :D :D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D :laugh: :laugh: :laugh: :laugh: its a 7day a weak job its a hard road to hall now but hopping it gets better listen to all the in put on here and go for it GOOD LUCK IN WHAT YOU DO STAY SAFE !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

ryguy777 · March 11, 2013, 10:06:40 PM

thank you everyone, i really appreciate everything! ive worked in the woods with my dad and grandpa almost all my life,cutting firewood. i look forward to it every year, i love every second of it and want more of it haha

JuniperBoss · March 11, 2013, 10:28:28 PM

I am in the same position. I want to own a portable sawmill and skid logs with our farm tractors. All I need to do now is get out of school and get some money :D. Then I'm all set.

Glad to here of your story and you have my regards.

thenorthman · March 11, 2013, 11:04:01 PM

Do everything you can to get on an established crew, you will learn more, the easy way with other people around than trying to figure it out all on your own. Its one thing to be smart and quick witted its another to be surrounded by other quick witted chaps that have probably figured it out once or twice before...

When you do get a job keep your mouth shut and eyes and ears open,

Stay safe out there and remember this is a highly addictive occupation.

beenthere · March 11, 2013, 11:13:10 PM

I commend you both for having goals to go after, and dreams of things you want to do. Keep them in mind as you work toward them, but don't miss any chances to consider many other worthwhile ambitions. Gather knowledge and friends, and be careful with all your youthful decisions.
The most important decisions you will EVER make that have the biggest effect on your life are at your age right now. All too easy to make a small but wrong move that keeps you from making your dreams come true, or can make them almost impossible to achieve.
Keep your eye on your goal and how you plan to make it happen.
I dare say the horse logging idea would be great fun, but plan to do that after you've made your millions doing something else as it is just a great, unique hobby. That's just my thoughts and opinion. ;D
Wish you the best.

Ken · March 11, 2013, 11:14:10 PM

ryguy777 The opportunities for younger folks to make a living in the forestry industry will be strong for the foreseeable future. As others have said it can become addictive. Good luck in your decision

Timbercrk1 · March 12, 2013, 12:22:37 AM

Work hard in school and get good grades. Good grades and staying out of trouble equals scholarship potential. I would go to school!!! Since you are in NY and so am I. Look hard at suny esf awesome college for forestry in are area! Also look at a 2 plus 2 program to save money. Meaning going to a community college to save then a big school. Finger Lakes community college has a good program to get started and a woodsmen team to keep the saw dust in your veins while your away from home. Look at NY logger training program NYLT and get hooked up with advice etc. which could lead to a job down the road. I know from this site and friends that the industry is a tough one and going to school and learning everything you can will help you be a success. Also as you learn. Find a niche. Something you can specialize in to make you worth more then the other person. As far as running your own business go to school and work for someone hard and learn all you can before you step into the giant headaches of running your own company. Running a biz is hard very hard but it can be worth the rewards if done correctly. Just learn all you can while your young and keep your nose clean and you will be make it! Good luck kid. Ray

SwampDonkey · March 12, 2013, 05:11:53 AM

As others have said, get some good school'n, don't try to by-pass that important step. Never mind that grandpa only went to grade 8, that was a different era. Keep your head on straight and learn lots, then go walk a spell behind that mule. ;D

shortlogger · March 12, 2013, 07:35:56 AM

Logging is the most rewarding job i have ever done I love it, there is nothing I enjoy more than falling timber . That being said dont dismiss a good education you never know where life will take you . I am only 33 and my back is in terrible shape there is no way i could cut logs for a living anymore , I now am a industrial Waste Water opperator and am working on furthering my education to keep up with technology . I havent stoped logging but its my secondary occupation along with sawmilling this way I make a living and get my logging and milling fix . not to discourage you just dont rule out other options .

justallan1 · March 12, 2013, 09:11:55 AM

You are at a good age to start out during your summer months and your schools there may even have occupational programs than that benifit employers. Check with your guidance councelor at your school. Some states will give the employers tax breaks and pay for your insurance and this can make you look pretty good in an employers eyes just enough to get you hired.
Like everyone has said, learn everything you can in school! Get all of the shop classes you can, auto and diesel mechanics, welding, metal fabrication, woodshops and any forestry classes to be had.
Where I'm from there are 100 small logging operations for every large one they need people who can do several things, not just one.
Wish you the best of luck,
Allan

ryguy777 · March 12, 2013, 04:18:55 PM

im going to welding school in the fall, i can weld pretty good for being self taught, but i want a certification in it since welding is another job i want. as for regular school, i'll be done in about 2 months. im a pretty good mechanic, when i was really young my favorite toy was a weed eater engine that i would take apart and put back together, i brang it into show and tell in kindergarden and did this:) not trying to be cocky, just trying to let ya guys know more about me

ryguy777 · March 12, 2013, 04:19:41 PM

thank you for all your input everyone!

JuniperBoss · March 12, 2013, 04:50:16 PM

I plan to go to college for a degree in "Diesel Technology" or "Diesel Mechanics". I believe that I can't really go wrong with that degree, since all my interests involve burning that stuff ;D.

GATreeGrower · March 12, 2013, 05:10:21 PM

I'd agree with the guys on here who say get some kind of education. I hated sitting in class even though I was pretty good at it, but I made myself do it and got an associates in Agribusiness. After I finished I went right back to the woods and the farm. But I have a very official looking piece of paper if I ever need it 8)

ryguy777 · March 12, 2013, 06:32:39 PM

its not really college, it'd be at a vocational school....just like to have another trade under my belt

SwampDonkey · March 12, 2013, 06:53:57 PM

Knowing a trade like welding and engine work comes in mighty handy when a logger. In fact, I wouldn't even consider it unless I could fix stuff. ;D

Ron Scott · March 12, 2013, 07:43:30 PM

Ditto to that! ;)

thenorthman · March 12, 2013, 10:46:02 PM

I got into machining because logging was going the way of the spotted owl... I graduated in 96, the spotted owl hit hard in 94... pretty much every brush ape around here was looking for work anywhere and everywhere... good times :

Now I'm going back to logging, never really left, not sure I could if I wanted too. (been part time logging off and on most of my adult life, when there was trees to cut...)

The point is have a backup plan.