By Johnny Mack
Hunting is hard. Flat out. It takes patience, courage, and grit. More often than not you are left with an unfilled tag in your pocket and a long walk back to the truck. So why do it? Why put in so much time, money and effort if percentages do not go in your favor? I know why I do it. I do it because the effort it takes to successfully harvest an animal is unlike any other feeling in life. Because with no risk there can be no reward. It is what makes hunting and harvesting your own meat so special.
Being new to hunting, I constantly second guess myself and have doubt about if I am doing the right thing, especially since I never had a mentor to bounce questions off of. It is my weakness. It is the internal battle that I struggle with when hunting. Have you ever had questions about what others would do in certain situations? Maybe you catch yourself not staying in the game mentally. I know I often do. I find myself double guessing a move or a plan of attack when I hunt. Whether you are new or experienced, hunting can be frustrating and defeating.
This series is meant to be a way to inspire, educate and motivate you when it comes to hunting. Hopefully the advice and insight shared by our guests can help you feel like you are not alone in your struggle against the wild, while you build confidence in your chase.
WBC: What is your name?
Paul: Paul Servey (AKA Mountain Goat Pauly)
WBC: Where are you from and where do you currently live?
Paul: I was born and raised in Utah and I am still currently living in Utah.
WBC: What is your day job?
Paul: Refinery Console Operator
WBC: Do you have any family or pets?
Paul: Yes, I have a beautiful wife who is currently deployed with USAF and 3 amazing daughters and two rowdy grandsons. Two horses Koda and Owen and a parakeet named Django.
WBC: How and why did you get started into hunting?
Paul: It started at a very young age. Every year since I can remember my father would take all three boys hunting. This is where my passion and love for hunting was planted and subsequently grew, along with the excitement that came from missing school to go hunting in the mountains with my family. In retrospect, these have been some of the greatest memories I have ever made and with these memories, a deep passion for hunting has been instilled into every fiber of my being.
WBC: Did you have a hunting mentor? What did you learn from them and or what did you want or wished to learn from them?
Paul: My father was definitely my mentor. He taught me so many things I can’t list them all. I think the things I remember the most I have passed down to my daughter who hunts as well, is to respect the animals and the land you are hunting. Being an ethical and reverent hunter was so important to him. That started from sighting your rifle in and practicing at the range so when you had an opportunity for a shot you could make a clean kill. He taught me the commitment and hard work of hunting public land. He also taught me scouting tips, and how to be patient while hunting and the process of field dressing the animal and taking care of the meat. Backcountry hunting can be very hard at times and I can thank my father for teaching me the life long skills to do this type of hunting.
WBC: What has been your favorite hunt? Why?
Paul: That is a hard question. I love them all. Over the years public land OTC mule deer hunting has become one of my favorite hunts. I love the challenge of hunting the high steep basins that mule deer live in. A few of my favorites would be last year’s bear hunt in Saskatchewan and watching my wife kill her first bear at 12 yards with a bow and my 2017 spring bear hunt with Jana Waller in Montana. I do have to say watching my daughter kill her first deer and elk was pretty amazing. So many memories!
WBC: What has been your biggest struggle when it comes to hunting?
Paul: I don’t know that I really struggle. To me just getting out with family and friends and having a good time is what it’s all about. Don’t get me wrong there are definitely days I want to huck my bow down the mountain after chasing elk or mule deer. To me it’s all about being in God’s country, connecting with the land and the people you love.
WBC: Our strengths can also be our weaknesses. What are your weaknesses that can inhibit you on your hunts?
Paul: Not being 25 years old! Lol, but I have been around the block a bit more. Every time I go into the field I learn something new with each animal I am hunting. It doesn’t always work the next time. Patience is the name of the game. That is something that I struggle with at times. But I feel like I have definitely matured compared to when I was younger.
WBC: What piece of gear can you not hunt without?
Paul: My Rifle and Bow! I definitely never leave home without my DeLorme Inreach. I highly recommend everyone carry one of these devices in your pack or vehicle. It could save your life or someone else’s.
WBC: What is your favorite place to hunt and or species?
Paul: I love hunting the backcountry for elk and deer in the western states and the challenges of living out of your pack for several days. This type of hunting can be a very humbling and rewarding experience.
WBC: What is one piece of advice you would have liked to have or known when you first started hunting?
Paul: I was super blessed to have an amazing mentor in my father. One thing I would say is to not give up. Hunting can be difficult and frustrating at times. But with hard work and dedication, you will be successful.
WBC: What is your social media account handles or website?
Paul: mountaingoatpauly on IG, FB, and MtnGoatPauly at Twitter
We want to thank Paul for sharing his insight and thoughts. If you want to know more about Paul and what he does, be sure to follow along on his journey by checking out his social media accounts.
If you enjoyed reading the article or can think of anyone that could benefit from the insight given, please share it with others. It is “OUR” job to continue the growth of the hunting and outdoor community. Be sure to invite someone to start hunting with you. You never know what type of impact it may have for them and their life. Remember, mentorship is conservation and you cannot out give good.
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To read previous interviews in the series CLICK HERE.
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