Help and Guidance Please!

[thecfarm]

Even on my land the state of Maine requires me to fill out an intent to log form and than report what ever I cut and sell off my land. Firewood is exempt.

[Texas Ranger]

no such thing in free Texas  8)

[SwampDonkey]

Tex, it's because of wood theft. Some think wood is free to take off your land and wood piles. I don't care for that kind of freedom. ;D

[BBTom]

I could be wrong, cause I am not a Texan, but I think they have a different way to deal with wood theft down there and it does not include making all the innocents and victims fill out BS paperwork.

I think they call it S&W justice. Wood thieves make good fertilizer for trees.

[SwampDonkey]

I'm sure the paperwork won't be spared. The victims bare all the costs it seems no matter what geographical boundaries you live in.

[Big thicket]

Thanks again everyone! I really enjoy reading what everyone has to say!

[36 coupe]

Even on my land the state of Maine requires me to fill out an intent to log form and than report what ever I cut and sell off my land. Firewood is exempt.

This is done to make sure sales tax is paid on lumber sold.A fellow who buys logs and sells lumber says the sales tax people are a pain.They tell him how much lumber there is in a log.They busted 2 old women who had a perpetual yard sale going.Some years ago the sales tax div boasted they had 11 new investigators to combat sales tax fraud.The state is real short on restaurant inspectors though.

[JohnM]

I must be getting old... forgot about  D. Douglas Dents, Professional Timber Falling.  Its a rather small book for the price, and some of the pictures belong in a museum, but the methods and techniques are still very relevant today as they where then.

I believe its still available through Bailey's.  If not there is bound to be one on Ebay.

Yep I got that through Bailey's a few years ago, pretty sure they still have it.  It's a little 'wordy' and hard to follow at times for a novice like me but I usually get it the second or third time through. :  Much like this thread it's a great read! :P

[GAB]

Big thicket you said:
"I really want to thank you all very much for your posts please keep them coming I find it all helpful and educational."
I'd like to add the following to the comments sent your way by others: 
When they say look up one thing they are talking about is being on the look out for WIDOW Makers. 
You need to learn on how to measure or scale logs.  Some buyers will take advantage of uninformed sellers. 
You also need to learn about the different log scales and what is used in the area.  As an FYI example I am told that in the six New England states use of the Doyle scale is frowned upon.
You might want to make up a list of logs and then see what each scale will yield.
Buy some plastic wedges as they are your friends and are easier on chainsaw chains than steel ones - ie they are expendable.  I frequently saw hardwood wedges to use as an aid in felling trees.
If you decide to hire a logger then get references and go and see the type of work that each individual does.  The taller the stumps the more money was left in the woods.  Also you need to become a stump reader.  Believe it or not you can learn a lot by just studying a stump.  That tall stump might be the difference between 2 rather than 3 salable logs from a tree.
If I'm cutting for firewood many times I will saw high and go back and get the bottom block.
If you try and harvest trees that are hollow all bets are off as to how they will fall in many cases.  Plan on at least 2 routes of escape.  For example every Shag Bark hickory I have cut, to date, has been hollow.  Some trees are better left as critter trees.
If you get a tree hung up do not be afraid of wrapping a chain around it and try turning it to the ground.  Another option is to wait for it to come down.  I have done both.
Hope I haven't bored you.  GAB

[stoneeaglefarm]

A point that may help you, For sure take a course on the chain saws and chopping, I think everyone on this site can tellya off a bad cut, a bad fallen limb, falls, pains, Its a very dangerous buisness, It may do you some good to find a log job, Small operation going on and go check it out and it will give you a idea. Check around for qualified loggers, There are good and bad in every buisness. You may find one that will allow you to check things out. Cutting trees is not a back yard game, Cutting lumber trees wrong and you end up with no money and possibly spending money on repairs to yourself or equipment. Ya can never out run a 60 foot tree. Flat ground or not. Be careful. Take some time to learn. You may end up liking it and become a woods men.