POWELL - Jake Clark, who runs Wyoming Wilderness Outfitters out of Ralston, puts his faith in a string of mules when he hits the high country on hunting trips.

"In the mountains," Clark said of his mules, "they are far superior to any horse."

Clark has been an outfitter for years. Clark and his wife, Kay, have been going on pack trips since both were knee-high to grasshoppers. They know their stuff.

Clark has been packing mules for 35 years, but his prize ride is Cadillac Jack, a mule he has ridden for thousands of miles.

"I bought him at my first mule sale."

Clark paid $7,000 for Jack. Now Jack is priceless in Clark's eyes.

"I wouldn't take $50,000 for him," Clark said.

Once Clark tore a hamstring in the mountains. He was unable to mount his mule. Fortunately, Clark had taught Jack to lay down. So when it was time to hit the saddle, Jack was on the ground, ready for his master.

Clark runs summer and fall trips. He's been all over the place - Sunlight, the Beartooths, the Big Horns, the Thorofare, Yellowstone - you name it, Clark has probably been there.

According to Clark, mules require less feed and don't spook in high places. A horse will last 15 to 18 years hauling equipment and passengers in the mountains. Mules will go 25 to 30 years, Clark said.

Clark has operated his own outfitting business for 32 years. He said 95 percent of his clientele are good people who are eager to roam the great outdoors.

They are "great folks, as a rule," Clark said.

He said 85 percent are return customers.

Recently, Clark was preparing for his first hunting trip of the season. Mules and a few horses crowded the corrals.

Several dogs kept a vigil, but were friendly and more than willing to accept a pat or two. A few chickens clucked about, with horses and mules strolling around kicking up little puffs of dust.

Clark's cell phone - with a bull elk bugle ring-tone - was ringing often.

He was busy making last-minute preparations via telephone amid horse and mules.

Eighty mules and 50 horses comprise Clark's stock. The animals were right friendly too, possibly hoping the stranger had a few sugar cubes or carrots in his pocket.

With a view of Heart Mountain and the fringe of the Absaroka Range waiting in the gentle sun, thoughts of hunting trips came to mind.

Clark slid a halter on Jack. The mule rubbed his big head on Clark's shoulder, demonstrating the bond the two share.

Whether using horses or mules for pack trips, Clark said it's important to train and get the stock in shape before the trip.

Clark is a hunter, but he is not in it for the kills. He is in it for the camaraderie and simply to be in the backcountry.

"I just like to go to be in the hills," he said.

Clark's mind was occupied with preparations, but his wife, Kay, had a couple stories.

One client, a bit long in the tooth, was determined to get a bull. It took two people and just short of forever to load him atop a mule for the day's elk hunt.

Finally, Clark got him to the elk, but the client was unable to focus on the shooting task at hand.

"He couldn't see the elk because he forgot his glasses," Kay said laughing.

On another trip Clark took a couple to the hills for bull elk. The husband shot his bull right off. The next day, the Mrs. got her elk, too.

It was during mating season, and the bull was preoccupied. The lady wasted no time taking her shot.

When the gunsmoke cleared, Clark was flabbergasted.

"You could have at least let him enjoy himself before you shot him," Clark said.