Pretty sure his dad is a former cop.

As others have said, an experienced drywaller could mud the entire surface faster than you could individually fill all of the holes. But, generally, if I'm going to be filling holes, I'll use spackle because it dries faster and shrinks less. If you plan on skim coating the whole thing definitely use joint compound but if you can afford paying someone experienced to do it, they can do it way faster than you and will look better.

I've thought about visiting in the winter before and have heard it can be very difficult to get to because the roads don't get plowed regularly. Do you mind letting me know what route you took in? Thanks.