LOGGING HILLS AND HOLLERS…EASIER OR HARDER???

[@K9COP282]

God bless you! Zach! You do FAR MORE then just teach us about mule logging and taking us along with you while you work! Your messages at the end of your videos touch more people than you'll ever know!! Merry Christmas to you and your family!!

[@valeriemacrae8441]

Yes indeed

[@zachodommulelogging]

Thank you very much! And I certainly hope so. Sometimes it feels like I’m spending my wheels… But I know that’s how life goes. I’m thankful for everyone that is here and that takes time to watch and comment on my video such as yourself. Thank you for the kind encouraging words. I appreciate it! Take care and do come again, please. God bless.

[@deltonwatts9726]

Zach...your work goes far beyond the Mules and logging. Your intercession if reason enough to do what you do on the channel. Blessings, and I'll be praying for those needs you mentioned. Merry Christmas!

[@zachodommulelogging]

Yes, I believe you are correct my friend. And thank you for pointing that out. Thank you for praying and supporting me the way you do. I definitely appreciate it! More than you know. Thank you for being here and also taking time to watch and comment. Take care and do come again, please. God bless.

[@everestvirtue309]

Dear Zach everything there looks beautiful, all the landscape and the slushing in the leaves, thank you for taking me along to see your Great work there with the giant logs, God bless you all there and the animals too, take care my friend

[@zachodommulelogging]

Hello Steve! It is really good to hear from you, my friend. I’m glad you enjoyed today’s video, and you’re most welcome! Thank you so much for being here and taking time to watch and comment. I surely appreciate your dedication to my channel. I hope you all are doing well where you are. Take care and do come again, please. God bless.

[@JerryRafferty-k9w]

Zach we're with you in the spirit every time we're in the woods. I know how dangerous the woods can be. I pray for your safety when your working the timber, you and the mules. I know the Lord has His hand over you. If we try to be safe He'll do the rest. My first patch of timber I cut on my own was about a 130,000 board feet. I would ride in on the skidder with Jesus on my lips. I know for sure he is the reason I made it out each day. Thank you so much for the time in the woods, I hope you can feel how much it means to me. God bless you an family. Jerry from Ohio

[@zachodommulelogging]

Yes, sir, Mr. Jerry, I know what you mean. And you are welcome my friend. I am glad to do it, and I’m also glad you enjoy it. Thank you for always being here and taking time to watch and comment on my videos. It means a lot to me. Take care and do come again, please. God bless.

[@bobbylong8365]

Always a good day watching the mules work ! Nice job Zack !

[@zachodommulelogging]

Thank you, Mr. Bobby, and thank you for always being here to watch and comment. I’m glad you enjoyed the video! That makes it work doing. Take care and do come again, please. God bless.

[@thirzapeevey2395]

You know, Zach, that is a beautiful way to make a living. I know it is hard work. Every time you pick up those tongs, I can feel that in my back and shoulders. I know how heavy all that gear is, and I'm sure you crawl into bed at night wore plumb out. But those woods are so lovely and quiet, and your mules are such good company and willing to do what you ask, and it is just a beautiful world to work in. I hope next month, things will start getting easier and the markets will start getting better for you, so you and the mules can start making a good living at it.

[@zachodommulelogging]

Thank you ma’am! I enjoy my life. I enjoy being out in the woods with the mules and working the timber. It ain’t easy at times..and sometimes it down right aggravating..but I do love it. And I love my animals. They bring me a lot of peace. It always feels good to go home tired full of accomplishment for that day. Lay down and rest..then do it all over again. It’s a good life. Simple, but good. Thank you for being here and taking time to watch and comment. Take care and do come again, please. God bless

[@AllanHanscom]

Zach, your channel is fast becoming the favorite part of my day, I cant tell you how much I appreciate the work you put into bringing what you do to us. Merry Christmas to you and your family and may God bless you and keep you safe.

[@zachodommulelogging]

Thank you, my friend! I’m glad you are enjoying my channel and thank you for being here and also taking time to watch and comment on my videos. You enjoying them, Mike’s at work doing! I really appreciate it. Merry Christmas to you as well and take care. God bless.

[@rafterL78]

Zach, you're a hard working, stout man. I know it slows you down setting up cameras and explaining the process to us but I truly appreciate it. Your kind, calm manner settles me down in the evenings. I wonder what goes thru those mules minds. Starting, stopping, stepping over makes no sense to them but they are obedient and willing to do what their master tells them. We can all learn from this. Even tho our Master ask us in that still, calm voice to do and go thru certain things, it is for our best interest to listen and obey. Just like it's in their best interest for everyone's safety. Thank you for the prayers. May our Lord continue to look out for you, your family, your team, and all our fellow followers in Jesus Name, Amen. -Clay

[@zachodommulelogging]

Thank you, Clay! I really appreciate it, buddy. And I’m glad you enjoy the videos and can find them calming. That means a lot to me. Yes, the relationship between me and my mules are a lot like me and the Lord. The more you experience in life, the more you begin to trust the Lord and everything that you do. Because you realize he has the best interest for you at heart. The same applies to my mules. Anyway, thank you for making that connection. Thank you also for being here and taking time to watch and comment. I appreciate your dedication to my channel. Take care and do come again, please. God bless.

[@bain5872]

I am so highly impressed with how well your mules can work on uneven terrain. I think this is some of tightest work I've seen the girls do. I am very impressed with how sure footed they are. They remind me of mountain goats. I got very nervous when Alice leaped up on top of those logs. I was expecting one of the longs to role and her break her leg.....I was sweating there for a second as I'm sure you was as well. There is no way a man can work this closely with these animals, seeing what they are capable of and doing what they do for us with out feeling love for them. Just my watching them makes me feel that way. With this said, I'm have no doubts you take the best of care of all of the girls. Thanks so much Zach, for sharing all of this with us. You have my respect for not only the knowledge and skill you have but being a great steward of mules and the trade itself. Thank you so much for your prayers, they are needed as well as appreciated. You are in my prayers as well. May God bless you in all you do my friend.

[@zachodommulelogging]

You are truly welcome, my friend! And I can’t tell you how much I appreciate the kind words. You do have a understanding of how I feel about my animals. They are more than just work mules to me. They are a big part of my life and a lot of of my peace. I am so thankful for them and what they do for me inside and out. Thank you for taking time to watch and comment and also for being here. I appreciate your dedication to my channel. Take care and do come again, please. God bless.

[@emgiwoodworks]

Real teamwork in progress! Wonderful to see how good the three of you work together. 😎

[@zachodommulelogging]

Thank you very much! I like to think so as well… The mules without me wouldn’t be any good and me without the mules wouldn’t be any good either. It takes all three to make it go! Thank you so much for the kind words and also taking time to watch and comment. I appreciate it! Take care and do come again, please. God bless.

[@gordonfrentz1780]

That is very hard work for you and your mules, well especially for you!!! Who needs a Gym membership!!! Thank you for sharing Zach.

[@zachodommulelogging]

Ha ha, yes you’re right lol. Thank you sir for being here and taking time to watch and comment on my videos. I hope you are doing well! Take care and do come again, please. God bless.

[@janasharooni5203]

Thank you for the video!!

[@zachodommulelogging]

You are very welcome! I’m glad you enjoyed it. And thank you for taking time to watch and comment. I appreciate it. Take care and do come again, please. God bless.

[@lesterwatson8519]

Merry Christmas to a hard working man. May God Bless You and Your Family this Christmas

[@zachodommulelogging]

Thank you, Mr. Lester! I really appreciate it my friend. Merry Christmas to you and your family as well and thank you for being here and also taking time to watch and comment. Take care and do come again please. God bless.

[@KenSmith-i2e]

Thanks for sharing, Zach, Merry Christmas to you and your family.

[@zachodommulelogging]

You’re most welcome my friend and merry Christmas to you. I’m glad you enjoyed the video and thank you for taking time to watch and comment. Take care and do come again, please. God bless.

[@valeriemacrae8441]

Your right Zach this world is a hurting world. And my prayers are sent to you and your viewers.

[@zachodommulelogging]

Thank you ma’am! I truly appreciate that. It means a lot! Thank you for being here and taking time to watch and comment on my videos. I appreciate it! Take care and do come again, please. God bless.

[@oldadthomas]

Couple of things Zach... 1. your viewers can easily forget about all the work you have to put in before and after being in the woods prepping and putting the team to bed. 2. Glad you are safety minded while working out there. Especially since you are working by yourself. God is great, Brother! Thank you for sharing your passion for Christ, your concern for everyone and always keeping folks in your prayers. God bless

[@zachodommulelogging]

Yes, sir Mr. Dale, you are most welcome! I’m glad to do it. And thank you for pointing out all the extra work that it takes to make an operation such as this go. It is a lot of work, but I’m glad to do it. Thank you so much for noticing. Also, thank you for being here and taking time to watch and comment as always. I appreciate your dedication to my channel. Take care and do come again, please. God bless.

[@dannywhelchel4801]

Great video,you and your mules make a outstanding team

[@zachodommulelogging]

Thank you very much! And thank you for taking time to watch and comment. I’m glad you enjoyed the video. Take care and do come again, please. God bless.

[@dannywhelchel4801]

@zachodommulelogging your welcome and thank you and God bless you too

[@Bigjimcowboy]

Love the preplanning explanations. We use our mules for hauling gravel and timber for trail repair, drag a few logs for repair if they are down in the area we are working so really enjoy looking at the lay of the land.

[@zachodommulelogging]

Cool 😎 I’m glad you enjoyed it and thanks for taking time to watch and comment. Take care and do come again, please. God bless

[@alvinlong884]

Awesome job love watching them girls work. Merry Christmas!!!

[@zachodommulelogging]

Thank you so much, and I’m glad you enjoyed it! Merry Christmas to you as well. Thank you also for taking time to watch and comment. Take care and do come again please. God bless.

[@robertmarino2158]

Great explanation of your game plan , stay safe , you have many hard days to work timber , thank you for sharing !

[@zachodommulelogging]

Thank you, sir! And thank you for taking time to be here and also watch and comment. I appreciate it! Take care and do come again please. God bless.

[@ritasidwell8578]

Zack nice span of mules I logged with mules some now to old love seeing them work on here you be safe and God Bless

[@zachodommulelogging]

Thank you sir, I appreciate it! I’m glad you enjoyed the video. And I appreciate you taking time to watch and comment, God bless.

[@thomasneill6858]

Wife has accused me of being plum crazy I was setting here in my chair talking to your mules like they could hear me Tilly family in Hardin co needs lots of prayers, you can read about shooting in Hardin co. That family worked for me a lot before we moved very good Christian family

[@zachodommulelogging]

Ha ha, that is too funny! But I’m glad you are here with me. That is awesome. You are a true friend! I will definitely pray for that family, and I’m sorry to hear about that. There seems to be a lot more of that junk going around these days. Thank you for letting me know, and I will add it to my list. Take care my friend and do come again, please. God bless.

[@BryanSink-t4w]

Hello Zach As you share and tell your plan I reminded of the scripture that speaks of counting the cost whether it’s building a tower or kings going to war It’s important to study things over and find the best way You seem to choose what’s best for your mules and your equipment which what you should Choosing Jesus is always the best way for all of us to make it through all of life’s mountains and valleys Keep em rolling and God bless

[@zachodommulelogging]

Yes, sir, my friend, you are most definitely correct. I have learned as I’ve gotten older to think about things more before I act. Sometimes I still fail, but I do try to do better. I heard an old saying one time that goes like this, “haste makes waste.“ Anyway, thank you for the kind words and thank you for taking time to watch and comment on my video. I appreciate it! Take care and do come again, please. God bless.

[@hershellinnenbringer4058]

Thanks for the video! Your mules are great. A Missouri mules skinner.

[@zachodommulelogging]

Thank you so much, Mr. Herschel! I appreciate it buddy. Thank you for being here and taking time to watch and comment. Take care and do come again please. God bless!

[@larrykerr7712]

Another good one. Mules are doing good, teamster too.

[@zachodommulelogging]

Thank you, sir! I’m glad you enjoyed the video and thank you for taking time to watch and comment. I surely appreciate it! Take care and do come again, please. God bless.

[@dalehamilton392]

Great video. prayers for you friend..

[@zachodommulelogging]

Thank you sir! I’m glad you enjoyed the video and thanks for the prayers. Nothing better you could ever do for me. Thanks also for taking time to watch and comment. Take care and do come again, please. God bless

[@bombardier3qtrlbpsi]

You will have to put Alice in a log rolling contest 😂 The team and you did a great job 👍

[@zachodommulelogging]

🤣🤣🤣 yes, I’m afraid you are right! Lol. Thank you so much for the kind words and for the laugh. Also, thank you for taking time to watch and comment. I appreciate it! Take care and do come again please. God bless.

[@TheSeastar19]

Always more challenging and slower skidding logs uphill or working in steep terrain, when it comes to using machinery, the difference between flat country and steep is sometimes using say 20 Gallons of fuel on the flat verses 30 Gallons of fuel uphill, so you can imagine the mules will run out of steam way quicker too. Anyway, nice video Zach, thanks and God Bless.

[@zachodommulelogging]

Yessir for sure. If you’re going uphill for sure. Downhill skidding surely makes things easier. Easier than flat ground really. Using the truck to get the logs out is gonna slow us down a little being an extra step and all, but I’m hoping the production we gain from downhill skidding will make up for it. It should if I manage it closely. Anyway, thanks for your input and taking time to watch and comment. Take care my friend and do come again, please. God bless

[@TheSeastar19]

@@zachodommulelogging Yeh, you really showed some clever logging moves in this video , when you mapped out a road down to the bottom where you were able to find a clearing large enough for a landing area, so as to enable the mules to skid those logs downhill. Just goes to show you are a true expert at your work.

[@zachodommulelogging]

@@TheSeastar19 thank you kindly! Sometimes it pays to use your head…

[@robertmarino2158]

Just as I said that you were on the right side , thank you .

[@zachodommulelogging]

Yes, sir, it just depends on which way is uphill or downhill. Generally speaking, though, I like to walk on the left side.

[@aporter701]

Have a nice 'trip'? I saw that! Be careful out there.😄

[@zachodommulelogging]

Haha, yeah I did. Thanks my friend and thanks for watching. I appreciate it. Take care and do come again, please. God bless

[@terryblakeman4616]

I love how the girls have learned to step over the logs so you can get the logs side by side

[@zachodommulelogging]

It is handy for sure. Most times they do it on their on their on and then times when I get multiple logs bunched I have to watch them really close or like in the video they’ll try and jump across multiple logs lol. Anyway, thank you for taking time to watch and comment. I appreciate it! Take care and do come again, please. God bless

[@deborahgeorge9170]

Kate and Alice are trying to help you cut down some trees - leaf by leaf. Lol. I hope everyone has a merry Christmas. God bless.

[@zachodommulelogging]

Ha ha, yes I believe you’re right. Lol. Thank you so much for the kind words and also taking time to watch and comment as always. I appreciate your dedication to my channel. Take care and do come again, please. God bless.

[@deborahgeorge9170]

Having owned donkeys, I understand why they eat stuff like that. I just thought I would say it nicely instead of saying their daddy had a little beaver in him. Lol

[@zachodommulelogging]

@@deborahgeorge9170haha, you’re prolly right. They love wood, especially pine 😂

[@Tommy-h4b]

It's not really much talked about because we are usually enjoying the mules but you really do know how to use a chainsaw you make cutting a big tree easy but you are very talented a cutting down trees sir.

[@zachodommulelogging]

Thank you, sir! I really appreciate that. I’ve been at it for a pretty good while. Going on 25 years. It does get easier the more you do it… But it is still dangerous. Anyway, thank you so much for the kind words and taking time to watch and comment. I appreciate it! Take care and do come again please. God bless.

[@primeredisbest]

Mr Zach, This is Jimmy. I want you to know that I do find peace in all of your videos and I appreciate you praying for us! God bless you, sir!

[@zachodommulelogging]

Hello Mr. JIMMY! I hope you are doing better with your knee. I have been praying for you. Thank you so much for the kind words, my friend. I surely appreciate it and also thank you for being here and taking time to watch and comment. As always! Please give my best to your wife and I hope your knee is getting better. Take care and do come again, please. God bless

[@klauskarbaumer6302]

Even if some of the pulling is downhill, these are some really sizable trees the mules are dragging. In parts of Europe they are using skidding devices that resemble car hoods(or even are car hoods) at the front to prevent the tree from digging in to the ground which makes the pull easier.

[@zachodommulelogging]

Yes, sir, I know what you are referring to. However, on the short drags, it would be counterintuitive to do it that way. Just because of the rigging. You will make up ground in the time that you save. But again, the skids have to be short. I have used what is called a “go devil“ before and it works pretty good as well. It is like a mini sled that gets the butt end of the log up out of the dirt. Anyway, thank you for being here as always and thank you for taking time to watch and comment on my videos. Take care my friend and do come again, please. God bless

[@billywarpool3625]

Zach thank you for your video I wish you could show us a little tree fully I like to. Looking trees çut down your wright to take care of Red and your mules so be careful be safe take care God bless you and your family I haven't been feeling too good lately so pray for me please 🙏 your friend Billy

[@zachodommulelogging]

Hey Billy! It’s good to hear from you, brother. I’m sorry to hear that. You haven’t been feeling too well. I will definitely add you to my prayer list! Thank you for the kind words my friend and I will see if I can work a cutting video in for you. Thanks for being here, buddy, and thank you for always taking time to watch and comment. Holler at me if you need me! Take care and do come again, please. God bless.

[@buddyrobinson3514]

When you skid the rest of the tree, do you go back and slash down the tops? When i done it we wasnt allowed any slash higher than your knee

[@zachodommulelogging]

I don’t spend a whole lot of time slashing. I do however try to get them to lay fairly flat. Sometimes the landowners will figure me a little more in to do it. But just figuring straight logs, there isn’t enough meat on the bone to justify it. Takes to much time: and the only way to make a living in lower grade tie timber and such, is volume. So you have to really get it to make it: some landowners pay us extra to pile tops and whatnot. I’ve found the easiest on the land, is slashing the tops..and leave em where they lay. You tear up more young timber trying to get it out vs just leaving it laying. Then after 2-3 years is sitting, you can burn it off and the fire will consume most of the slash. Anyway, there is a lot of options on how to handle it. Thanks for taking time to watch and comment. I appreciate it. Take care and do come again, please. God bless

[@TylerChildress-s9i]

I think the mules work better without the logging cart. They might can pull little more weight due to the cart adding lift to the logs and all but this way they don’t have that cart tongue swinging around and flying up under their chins every time a load is pulled on it. Just my opinion and that’s all. Really enjoy the videos and watching the mules work. 👍

[@zachodommulelogging]

Each tool has its own place and time as to when it works best. The cart is better on longer skids and the wagon, on even longer skids. Ground skidding is best for quick turn around on short skids. I have a plan for settling the tongue down on the cart, just haven’t had time to do the mod to it. The biggest difference, is the line of draft. The cart has a much higher line of draft compared to the stretchers. The mules can try harder more naturally on the stretchers vs the cart. The wagon also has a lower line of draft more comparable to the stretchers. But again, they all have their place. The cart will be much better once the mod is made to it. On the hills, the stretchers is by far the way to go. You don’t have to worry with getting the cart up there and turned around etc. So that’s nice. Anyway, thanks for taking time to watch and comment. Always good hearing from folks. I appreciate it. Take care and do come again, please. God bless

[@robertmarino2158]

Zach , why do you always walk on left side of timber, is it habit or something else ?

[@zachodommulelogging]

It is mostly because that is where I have to walk to work my mules with one line. But it also depends on whether it is uphill or downhill or if an obstacle is in my way. If that makes any sense.

[@hershellinnenbringer4058]

To steap for the logo cart

[@zachodommulelogging]

Yes sir, you’re right! It is a whole lot easier you’re doing it this way. And my humble opinion. Thank you for taking time to watch and comment. I appreciate it! Take care and do come again, please. God bless.

[@bombardier3qtrlbpsi]

Have you got weight on Kate and Alice lately.?

[@zachodommulelogging]

It has been about six months or so since I weighed them last. But they have definitely grown since then… I would say they are really close to 1600 pounds apiece now. Thank you for the question, and thank you for taking time to watch and comment. Take care and do come again, please. God bless.

[@RaymondRoshak-k1l]

Thank you MrOdum great video very nice low impact logging

[@zachodommulelogging]

@@RaymondRoshak-k1lthank you sir and thank you for watching and commenting. Take care and do come again, please.

[@raquelgarza6775]

Hi Zach Working hard as usual🫶🏼 Happy Holidays to you and your family Merry Christmas 🎄

[@zachodommulelogging]

Hello Ms Garza! Thank you ma’am for the kind encouraging words. And yes ma’am, just working!! Thank you for taking time to watch and comment. Been missing ya in the comments. I have been praying for you ever since you ask. I hope you are well. Take care and do come again, please. Merry Christmas to you and yours as well. God bless