Brian,

I agree with you. In my opinion, it would be best, if you are commited and have the funds, to start with a paid expert such as Neil Dougherty, Mark Thomas, James Kroll, etc.., and then use the services of a forester to carry out the part of your management plan that can utalize the help of a professional forester.

For example:

*Use a consultant to give you ideas of what areas to place food plots, but use a forester to log the area, and create the opening in exchange for cash and services.

*Use a consultant to give you advice on road placements and access trails, but use a forester to make them.

*Use a consultant to let you know what areas would be best to clearcut, which areas to leave alone, and which areas to select-cut, in relation to the overal strategic management of the property, but use a forester to pick the trees to cut for saw logs, pulp wood, etc..

*Basically, have a consultant give you your management plan and strategic advice, but use a forester to carry out the specific tasks that are relevant to the future success of the strategic minipulation and health of your overall habitat.