David Hunt — “Boss Boss” of the 2026 Great Florida Cattle Drive
President, Florida Cow Culture Preservation Committee
David Hunt is a 5th-generation Florida Cracker who has spent a lifetime horseback working cattle, caring for the land, and living the traditions of Florida’s Cracker Cowboy. His experience spans nearly every corner of agriculture and land stewardship, and his leadership has been a steady force behind the Great Florida Cattle Drive for years.
David attended the University of Florida and later managed a cattle and citrus ranch. His career also includes service with the Division of Animal Industry and work as a Wildland Firefighter. Today, he serves as the State Coordinator for Operation Outdoor Freedom, a program that provides life-changing outdoor experiences for wounded veterans.
A leader on every Drive
David has participated in all Cattle Drives, serving in key roles, including Scout, Circle Boss, and Boss for both the Wounded Veteran Circle and the Brown Circle. For the 2026 Great Florida Cattle Drive, he will serve in a title given to him by the veterans themselves: “Boss Boss.” It’s a name that reflects both respect and trust—and David carries it with deep humility and pride.
It is especially meaningful to David to help veterans take on the challenge of the trail. He has had the honor of training three groups of veterans to ride and participate in the last two Cattle Drives, and now again for this upcoming ride. Few things compare to watching the bond grow between a wounded veteran and their horse—step by step, mile by mile.
Bringing “A Land Remembered” to life
As President of the Florida Cow Culture Preservation Committee (FCCPC), David has long believed the Drive should connect directly to the story that has helped so many people understand Florida’s ranching roots: A Land Remembered. In 2026, that vision becomes real. The Drive will be live-streamed daily into 4th-grade classrooms where students are learning from the classroom version of the book. The committee will also be working with the producers of a TV series based on the book, helping share Florida’s heritage with an even broader audience.
Protecting heritage—and the land it depends on
David’s mission has always been clear: keep alive the traditions of the Cracker Cowboy, promote Florida’s ranching heritage, and raise awareness of the ongoing loss of habitat that is critical not only to the cowboy way of life but to everything that depends on that land.
Gratitude for the team behind the trail
David is quick to point out that none of this happens alone. He credits DJ Conner and the dedicated committees for bringing these cattle drives to the public year after year. DJ’s passion for Cow Culture—especially the Cracker Cowboy and Cracker Horses and Cattle—has helped keep the heart of this tradition strong and visible.
And for the 2026 ride, David has worked countless hours alongside committee members, landowners, county and state entities, and the marketing chair to help ensure every detail is lined up and ready. Behind every mile of the Drive is an army of people working quietly to make it happen—and David has been at the center of that effort.
As we head into the 2026 Great Florida Cattle Drive, we’re proud to recognize David Hunt—our “Boss Boss”—for his leadership, his service to veterans, and his lifelong dedication to Florida’s land, livestock, and living heritage.
