I have been heating with wood for the past 45 years. We do have a lp gas furnace that we use in the spring and fall when it's too warm for the wood heater. This winter has been unusually warm making it necessary to opening a window or two when the house overheats.
        It is possible in northern Michigan to get a permit to cut free firewood (dead or downed trees) from either state or federal forests. Over the years the wood that is easy to gather tends to be more difficult to find. Lately I've been buying wood from a local logger for $60 a pulp cord (4'x4'x8') for oak. A load consists of 12 cord which gives us enough firewood for two years. $350 a year for heat this far north isn't all that bad.
        I always cut and split wood a year ahead to aid in the drying process. This makes it a lot more enjoyable when I don't have to worry about wood for the coming winter. The wood I get has to be cut and some split into firewood size pieces. It's actually rather enjoyable now that I have a motor driven splitter. The added benefit is getting some exercise during the process.
        Cap't Bob