Game Of Logging 1 & 2 | June 11 & 12 2026

Based on the internationally accepted “Game of Logging” (GOL) developed by Soren Eriksson, our professional instructors teach timber harvesters, forest landowners, public workers, college students, and forestry tech school students the latest and safest techniques to operate/maintain their chain saws, to directionally fell trees under a variety of circumstances, and to process wood products under compression/tension situations. Whether you have never used a chain saw or have thirty years experience in the woods, GOL training is designed to develop safe working skills through demonstration and one-on-one, hands- on practice. GOL training is the industry standard for chain saw safety training and has been adopted by several State and Federal agencies, as well as organizations such as the Student Conservation Association, Technical Career Schools, Energy/Utility Companies, Municipal Services, Forest Landowner Associations, and many more. The standard program consists of four levels, each level making up an 8- hour day. All levels must be taken consecutively.

Class size is limited to a maximum of 10 students per instructor.

All training certification should be renewed / refreshed every 5 years.

Thursday, June 11 8am-4pm

Level 1 focuses on introducing the participant to open face felling and the development of techniques to safely use it.  Topics covered include personal protective equipment, chainsaw safety features, chainsaw reactive forces, bore cutting, pre-planning the fell, and understanding hinge wood strength.

Friday, June 12 8am-4pm

Level 2 focuses on maximizing chainsaw performance through basic maintenance, carburetor setting, and filing techniques.  Limbing and bucking techniques are introduced, spring pole cutting is covered and more felling is practiced.

Stay at Smokey House Center

Interested in staying at SHC for one night or both? Option to rent a private room ($75/night) or camping ($25/night) is available at checkout. Click "more prices" on checkout page to add.

Sold out? Add your name to the waitlist by emailing danielle@smokeyhouse.org.