Timber pirate

The term probably originated during the Timber Rebellion in 1853, when criminals mainly from the western Great Lakes region preyed on Michigan's government-owned supplies of lumber.

When the government responded by confiscating loads of wood their owners and the so-called timber pirates revolted.

The pirates assembled and burned a group of boats loaded with the stolen wood in the most serious incident of the conflict.

Following that a series of naval operations by the United States Navy warship USS Michigan led to the capture of many rebels and successfully put an end to the revolt.

[1] In the early 20th century, those who engaged in New Mexico's illegal logging industry were called timber pirates.