Meet The Author | currentagconcerns

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Hunter James Maxwell was born in Paradise, California, and raised in the small town of Los Molinos, California, alongside his three brothers. He began mutton busting at just three years old, and it quickly became clear that his heart was set on riding bulls.

Maxwell’s journey through the ranks of the sport began early. He progressed from calves to steers and then into the mini bull riding circuit, competing with Chris Shivers’ PBR Mini Bull Riders and the Casperson Family’s Professional Mini Bull Riders. He also claimed the championship title at the first annual Stetson Wright Invitational in the mini bull division. After aging out at 14, he transitioned to junior bull riding, where he continued to make his mark, most notably winning the Challenge of Champions Tour. At 17, Maxwell stepped into the professional bull riding arena and quickly proved he belonged, finishing third in the world standings at the Junior World Finals.

Outside of the arena, Maxwell is passionate about giving back. He and his brothers own Maxwell Bucking Bulls, where he mentors young riders by hosting practices and organizing jackpot bull riding events. He also taught himself the craft of leather tooling, creating custom belts and accessories, which he sells and gives as gifts to friends.

After graduating from high school, Maxwell attended Feather River College in Quincy, California, where he studied business and was a member of the college rodeo team, and is currently a card-holding member for the PBR and PRCA.

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Family and community are at the forefront of everything I do, and rodeo has been a big part in bringing both together. I lost my dad to COVID when I was in my early teens, and the support of my family and community during that time is the reason why I was able to continue to chase my dreams.

Rank shares parts of my own bull riding journey, which started on my family's property in Los Molinos, California. Here, my brothers and I raise bucking bulls that we haul to rodeos all over California. Raising bulls and teaching the next generation fuels my passion for the sport.

Another big piece of the puzzle for me is my faith. My faith is what has helped me through my past trials and continues to be my foundation. I read my Bible and pray before each and every ride, and I use my faith to help me understand the ups and downs that come with bull riding.

Like most bull riders, I started riding sheep and moved up to steers, then mini bulls, and finally to bulls by the time I got to high school. One of my favorite accomplishments from that time was winning the first annual Stetson Wright Invitational.

I got involved in Rank because of riding at the Junior World Finals, now called the Junior NFR, in Las Vegas. Riding at the Junior World Finals tested my skills, and I ended up capturing the third place spot, which gave me the confidence to pursue bigger dreams like riding in the PBR.

I am currenly a college rodeo athlete at Feather River College in Quincy, California. I am studying business and I will be competing at the College National Finals Rodeo in June. Along with college rodeo and running our bucking bull business, I also compete in both PBR and PRCA events across the United States.

Be sure to follow me on Instagram @officialhuntermaxwell.