Wilderness photographer Steven Drake has spent nearly two decades documenting what really happens between leaving the truck and coming home from the hunt, even if it doesn’t include a harvest.
We’re proud to add Steven to our family of brand ambassadors. His commitment to authentic storytelling and love of outdoor experiences are a great match for Montana Knife Company’s values.
From Ski Slopes to Elk Woods
Born and raised in Montana, Steven first found his edge on the ski slopes.
Until age 15, he believed skiing was his one true calling. Then, a morning in the woods put him on a new path.
“My Dad, who was 10 yards behind me, whispers, ‘Hey, Steve, STOP,’” Steven recalls. “I’m frozen in time, looking for a piece of an elk through the trees. Then he says, ‘No, look down.’”
At his feet lay a massive elk shed from a 350-class bull. That shed, which he still owns nearly 20 years later, marked the beginning of an obsession. That same evening, Steven and his father called in a six-point bull to 20 yards. Steven was too overwhelmed to draw his bow.
“That feeling of being so overwhelmed by things that happen in the wild, it was actually very similar to what I experienced skiing,” he says. “You truly get scared, but the more you do it, the more comfortable you are with being uncomfortable.”
Documenting the Journey
When Steven left Helena to attend college in Bozeman, the two-hour distance meant fewer hunting trips with his parents. He picked up a camera to share his solo experiences with them, posting to Facebook and the newly launched Instagram.
A chance meeting in his Business 101 class connected him with someone in the outdoor industry. That connection led to a job at Mystery Ranch Backpacks, then to Sitka Gear when they relocated to Bozeman. Both companies helped Steven share his hunting stories, launching a career that would span six years at an agency before he went freelance.
“Prior to 2011, it was all about the trophy shots. It was all about the grip and grins,” Steven explains. He points to his own elk hunt in 2011 that took 45 days to come to fruition. “The harvest was 1/45th of the entire experience of that hunt. [...] There’s just so much more that goes into it.”
Living by “Yes”
Steven’s philosophy guides his daily decisions: “At some point, we’re all gonna die, so don’t forget to live.”
This mindset appears on the wall calendar at his Bozeman home, where he and his wife mark off days spent outside. One recent tally revealed they’d spent 10 of 12 months away from home, a statistic they view as success, not sacrifice.
“I’ve always tried to be someone that says yes,” Steven says. “We all have friends or family members that come up with an excuse not to do everything. I just don’t want to be that person.”
Shifting Focus from Trophies
As the hunting community continues to evolve, Steven hopes to see hunters shift from obsessing over antlers to valuing the complete outdoor experience.
“I’ve done so many 10-day backpack hunts, often with strangers. After 10 days, regardless of the success of the hunt, you come out and you’re best friends with this person,” he says. “Where else in life do we get to spend that much quality time with someone?”
A recent shed hunting trip with his wife reinforced why the journey matters more than the harvest. After years of seeing only tracks, they finally encountered grizzly bears, three of them on an elk carcass, along with seven wolves. They found great sheds, but they’ll talk about the animal encounters for years.
Why Montana Knife Company?
Steven met Josh Smith four years ago at 2 a.m. in a Big Sky bar during the Total Archery Challenge. Instead of typical late-night bar talk, they spent half an hour discussing photography and life.
“He’s just the nicest, most genuine dude that I’ve met in a long time,” Steven says. “He came from nothing and now has this mini empire.”
Steven’s kitchen features the complete MKC culinary set, while the Mini-Speedgoat lives in his pack. Recently, after seeing a friend use one in New Zealand, Steven was drawn to the Jackstone.
The Adventure Continues
Today, Steven and his wife work together, combining their love for photography with a commitment to avoiding monotony.
Their plan is simple: keep saying yes to opportunities, stay uncomfortable, and document the authentic stories that unfold in wild places.
To follow Steven’s outdoor adventures and view his work, keep up with him on:
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Instagram: @stevendrakephoto
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YouTube: @StevenDrakePhoto
