Serve, Protect, Hunt, Repeat: Meet ‘Muc’
In honor of Remembrance Day in Canada, we wanted to shine a spotlight on one of our very own heroes: Police Officer and Cabela’s Pro Staffer, Marcus ‘Muc’ Simons of Regina, Saskatchewan.
Cabela’s & Bass Pro Shops: So you’re a Cabela’s Pro Staffer and a law enforcement officer. How do these two aspects of your life intersect or overlap?
Muc Simons: I was a long time big game hunting guide in BC long before I joined the Regina Police Service. The life lessons I learnt riding on the back of a horse or sitting on the side of the mountain is what I believe makes me a good police officer. As a police officer I get tons of opportunity to spend time in the outdoors doing what I love.
Being a Cabela's Pro Staffer was an easy transition for me because for many years I gave Elk calling/hunting seminars. It was a natural fit to join the Cabela's team because I just love helping people be successful at whatever they are trying to do.
Cabela’s & Bass Pro Shops: How long have you been hunting? How did you get involved with the sport? Did you have a mentor or someone to show you the ropes?
Muc Simons: I have been hunting for over 30 years. I got into [it through] my mother and father who both hunted. Along the way as an Elk guide a good friend of mine showed me the ropes teaching me to call. We spent many years guiding together and became lifelong friends.
Cabela’s & Bass Pro Shops: You have your own children that you’ve introduced to the world of hunting. What lessons do you hope to pass along to them through the experience of being out in nature?
Muc Simons: I have a son that I have introduced to hunting. The main lesson I try to instill in him is to always show respect for the animals. I teach him to respect land owners and to always be safe and follow the rules.
The life lessons I learnt riding on the back of a horse or sitting on the side of the mountain is what I believe makes me a good police officer.
Cabela’s & Bass Pro Shops: At what age did you know you wanted to become a police officer? What inspired you to take that path in life?
Muc Simons: I got into policing later than most, when I was 34. It wasn't until I was older did I want to make the switch to policing and serving my community. As I got older, protecting and serving my community [became] a priority.
Cabela’s & Bass Pro Shops: What’s the most valuable lesson that hunting has taught you that you carry with you in your day to day as a police officer? How have your experiences in nature made you better at your job?
Muc Simons:The most valuable lesson that hunting has taught me in my day to day as a police officer without a doubt is to respect of the law. Long before I was a police officer hunting helped me to respect and follow the laws.
Cabela’s & Bass Pro Shops: I can imagine that hunting would be a great way to decompress from the chaos of your day-to-day work as a police officer. What do you think it is about hunting that has the power to make us feel centred and alive? What do you appreciate/value the most about what hunting brings into your life?
Muc Simons: Yes, hunting is a great way to decompress for sure. I find getting out hunting or fishing is an excellent way to clear my mind. I believe that hunting has the power to make us feel alive is a combo of being in the outdoors and the adventure/excitement of the chase. I appreciate and value the animal most, it gave it's life for me to feed my family.
Cabela’s & Bass Pro Shops: Cabela’s and Bass Pro Shops is offering its Hometown Heroes discount right now to honor our troops and police officers. Will you be picking up any specific gear you’ve had your eye on!?
Muc Simons: I am a big fan of camo clothing. I will be looking at getting some cool weather clothing for the up-coming Whitetail Deer hunt. I also have an addiction to waterfowl decoys - you can never have to many decoys.
I believe that hunting has the power to make us feel alive is a combo of being in the outdoors and the adventure/excitement of the chase.
Cabela’s & Bass Pro Shops: What does Remembrance Day mean to you? How do you take time to commemorate the lives lost in service of our country?
Muc Simons::On Remembrance Day, I believe we all need to acknowledge the courage and sacrifice of those who served their country. I believe in wearing a poppy and always will.
Muc's Must-Haves