I hunted with Ron Eichelberger. He is the owner of Ponderosa Outfitters.
I started scouting in September, and after a couple of trips it became obvious that pack animals were almost a necessity. It's several miles to sheep country from most of the trailheads in some serious up-and-down! Sure helps a lot with a mule carrying everything in - and back out.
I can't say enough good things about Ron and his guide, Tom. I don't have a lot of experience with guided hunts, but I know hard work when I see it. These guys were prepared for everything, have good, strong animals and know the area like the back of their hand.
Unfortunately none of my usual hunting buddies could make the trip ( a wilderness hunt weeds'em out pretty quick!) but hunting with these guys was like being with good friends. They're die hard hunters and we had a blast right from the start.
Another guy that deserves a high-five is the Game and Fish guy in that area, Aaron Hartzell. I was after him from the day I found out I drew a tag and he never failed to return a phone call. I probably drove him nuts, but he never made it seem that way. We ran into him several times in the field and he was always willing to do whatever he could to help. He went way above and beyond. He went so far as to pack out a sheep for a guy that would have been SOL if it hadn't been for Aaron.
I hope you all get the opportunity to go on a sheep hunt sooner rather than later. It really is the hunt of a lifetime!