[Note: This entry incorporates former entry hot-logging.]
hot-log v Nth Cf hot deck n, hot-yard v
In logging: to remove logs from the woods as fast as they are cut (rather than stacking them for later transport); to supply (a sawmill), log (an area), or carry on (a logging operation) using this method; hence vbl n hot-logging.
1915 Bellman 19.126/1 Gt Lakes, “Hurry it along. We’re hot-logging. Don’t keep ’em waiting.” 1916 NW Reporter (1st ser) 155.560/1 MI, There is no doubt that it was contemplated . . that the operation should be carried on as a “hot-logging” operation. That is to say, it was expected that the trees would be cut down, immediately thereafter “swamped,” “skidded,” and hauled to the McGraw Branch for loading, where they were to be immediately loaded upon cars . . for the purpose of transportation to Bay City. 1936 Merrill Daily Herald (WI) 1 Feb 1/3, The company has 450 men in the woods logging sufficient timber to run the mill to July 1. By that time it is hoped that several miles of logging spurs will be built in the woods to permit of ‘hot-logging’ the mill for the balance of the year. 1939 Fitchburg Sentinel (MA) 26 May 11/4, At all other “dry” sites, “hot logging” will be done after the present supply of timber has run out. 1955 Salt Lake Tribune (UT) 20 Feb mag sec 15/2 nID, Sometimes hot-logging logs are converted into lumber within five days of arrival at the mill. Less than a week from stump to finished product—in the middle of a blustery northern Idaho winter! 1958 McCulloch Woods Words 90 Pacific NW, Hot log—To log and load out direct from the woods to the mill without logs being stored or cold-decked at any point along the way. 1956 Sorden–Ebert Logger’s Words 19 Gt Lakes, Hot-logging, A logging operation in which logs go immediately to the mill. 1969 Bennington Banner (VT) 13 Sept 5/4, Total trackage laid during the railroad’s 15 years was nearly 41 miles. . . The most existing at any one time was apparently from 1913 to 1915 when 29½ miles were being hot-logged. 1987 Spokesman–Rev. (Spokane WA) 20 Sept sec C 5/2, Logging has changed. Now the logging is all more or less hot logging. 1997 Stevens Point Jrl. (WI) 9 Sept sec 1 13/1, [Advt:] No cutting may be done or cut products left in the area between April 15 and Aug. 15 unless the job is “Hot Logged.”