Loggers are those responsible for harvesting trees and getting the logs out to the roadside so that a trucker can transport the logs to the mill. Depending on the terrain and type of harvest loggers may fell the trees by hand with chainsaws or used mechanized fellers mounted on a tracked vehicle. Also depending on the terrain, a logger may use a ground-based skidder to transport the logs to a landing area. On steeper logging sites, cable systems rather than skidders are used to skid the logs to a landing.

In Montana, loggers have organized in a group called the Montana Logging Association. The group has over 500 members and is dedicated to advancing the logging profession. MLA members can earn continuing education credits toward an Accredited Logging Professional (ALP) certification. ALP loggers have demonstrated, through the completion of an educational curriculum, commitment towards professional standards which distinguish them from their peers.