Yes it can get a bit cold up here at times and there are years that the snow can really pile up. However there are also years like this where we have yet to see any snow or cold weather. As far as Ashland getting crowded in the summer, not the case, Ashland is on Chequamagon Bay, part of Lake Superior, so the water never really gets warm enough for much swimming type activity. There is though great Bass fishing in the bay and can provide for a lot of fun ice fishing. A little further south Hayward does have quite a few people who come up for the summer. As far as living in Ashland it could be great if you enjoy both hunting and fishing. The employment situation there is pretty poor, not much of any industry left and Walmart opened one of their stores there a while back which has really hammered the local business community. As far as hunting up here you are correct, lots of state and county land to hunt on and lots of deer. You really might want to consider a trip to Ashland in say, January or February to get a feel for what winter is all about up here as it can indeed get bitter cold.