Dakota Eldridge is a championship rodeo cowboy, passionate hunter, and dedicated family man. With 11 National Finals Rodeo (NFR) qualifications, two NFR average titles, and a reserve world championship to his name, Dakota has established himself as one of rodeo’s elite competitors.
We’re proud to have him as a Montana Knife Company ambassador and excited to share his story.
From Small Town to the Big Stage
Dakota grew up in Elko, Nevada, where his rodeo journey began under the guidance of his father and grandfather. His grandfather ran cattle, giving young Dakota early experience as a cowboy, while his father ensured he always had quality horses — which Dakota recognizes gave him a significant advantage at junior rodeos.
“My dad worked at UPS. He’d work all day,” Dakota recalls. “I remember he’d bust his butt to try to get home by 3:30, 4 o’clock, sometimes 5 o’clock in the busier season.” After a full day’s work, his father would still make time to practice with him until dark, a sacrifice Dakota appreciates even more now that he’s a parent himself.
Growing up in Elko offered another advantage — the winter off-season. These breaks allowed him to go snowmobiling and hunting with his buddies, developing the passion for outdoor pursuits that continues today.
Building a Championship Career
Dakota’s professional journey began with a full scholarship to college in Pendleton, Oregon. The pivotal moment came when his friend Garrett Jesse called to ask if he wanted to team rope over the summer in the Northwest circuit. That summer was transformative, teaching him “how to win, how to rodeo” alongside mentors who shaped his approach to the sport.
After finishing college, Dakota moved into steer wrestling and calf roping, winning Rookie of the Year honors and qualifying for prestigious winter rodeos. His first National Finals Rodeo appearance came in 2013 when he finished 15th in the world. Since then, he’s qualified for the NFR every year except 2018, when a knee injury sidelined him temporarily.
Beyond the Arena
For Dakota, hunting is an essential counterbalance to professional rodeo’s demands. What began as a childhood pastime evolved into a serious passion that now includes bowhunting elk across the Western states.
A transformative hunting experience in Idaho’s Selway region with outfitter Mike Ritchie inspired a deeper connection to the sport, eventually leading Dakota to guide for the operation between rodeo seasons.
“When I can go to the mountains… I feel closer to God than I ever am,” he shares. While he enjoys hunting with companions, he particularly values solo expeditions that mirror the mental challenges of rodeo and help him reset before returning to family and competition.
The Care Behind the Competition
Dakota brings the same thoughtful approach to animal welfare that defines his outlook on hunting and conservation. As a steer wrestler, he emphasizes the care that goes into training and maintaining both horses and steers.
“That’s how we make a living — off a horse’s back and throwing steers for a living,” Dakota explains. This dependence creates a profound responsibility that includes limited trailer time during travel, clean stalls, quality feed, and proper recovery periods.
He sees parallels between rodeo competitors’ dedication to animal welfare and hunters’ commitment to conservation: “It’s exactly like hunting. People paint hunters to be a villain, but sometimes I go out there and I’ll see a coyote running across the field… and it’s like, ‘Man, that’s beautiful.’”
Raising the Next Generation
As a father to two daughters with a son on the way, Dakota focuses on passing down the values that shaped his character. “First off is just have a strong faith,” he says. “I think that will get you through anything.”
Honesty and authenticity follow closely behind in Dakota’s hierarchy of values. “I just want my girls to be honest, true blue, and hardworking,” he explains.
Why MKC?
Dakota’s relationship with Montana Knife Company began when Josh Smith sent him a Speedgoat knife during the National Finals Rodeo. That initial connection grew through mutual respect and shared values.
“I love the aspect American made,” Dakota explains. “He’s providing opportunities for a bunch of Americans.”
Beyond the products themselves, Dakota appreciates Josh’s authenticity: “I see him clean stalls, or chopping wood, taking his son. It’s just all the aspects you’d want to align with.”
The alignment extends to core principles: “I wear an American flag and ‘In God We Trust’ on my shirt. And that’s what I stand for. And I feel like that’s what Josh stands for.”
His favorite MKC knives include the Stonewall with its swept tip for skinning, the lightweight Stoned Goat for backcountry hunts, and the Mini Speedgoat as his everyday carry knife.
What’s Next?
As Dakota continues his rodeo career, he maintains ambitious competitive goals while balancing growing family responsibilities. His hunting adventures continue to evolve, with recent trips to Mexico for Coues deer hunts.
Wherever his journey takes him, Dakota carries the values of faith, family, and authentic craftsmanship that make him such a perfect fit with the Montana Knife Company family.
Keep Up With Dakota
Want to follow Dakota’s hunting and rodeo endeavors? Follow him on:
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Facebook: Dakota Eldridge
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Instagram: @dakotaeldridge21
