It pays to ask, fellow wood scroungers. Stopped at a house down the road to ask about a big, juicy blow-down I've had my eye on for a while. The guy was great, and invited me to take what I wanted from the 100 or so acres behind his house also (just a hop skip and jump from my place). I've got more free wood than I know what to do with now. It is mostly spruce/tamarak, etc, but the price is right - free. Most people are happy if you show some respect for their property, and it can work to your favour, rather than just "cutting and hoping" the owner doesn't come along.