Out & About Montana

     For the past several years Dunrovin has been taking clients on expeditions to the Theodore Roosevelt Memorial Ranch located along the Rocky Mountain front near Dupuyer, Montana. It is a spectacular ranch owned by the Boone and Crockett Club and managed for the health of the land and its wildlife populations as well as a cattle operation. They keep the ranch open to public hunting through the Montana Fish, Wildlife, and Parks block management program. In fact, the club feels so impassioned about the tradition of public hunting that club members are not allowed to hunt there even though the public is encouraged. Their management program has resulted in a very healthy landscape with a full complement of native Montana wildlife populations – including predators like grizzly bears and wolves. John Rappold, the ranch manager, has deep roots in the area as his family homesteaded the ranch just to the north. It is a thrill to ride with John, share his enthusiasm, and listen to all his stories about this wonderful place he calls home.

     In addition to being a working cattle ranch, the club has an incredible conservation education program and facility. Director Dr. Lisa Flowers ( left in picture and client Pat Guth on the right) has developed an adult and children’s education program that draws students from across the country. They are especially focused on providing local children with opportunities to learn about the natural wonders of their own back yard. The facility is housed in a beautiful lodge with sleeping quarters, a great room with the best view in the entire country, and a wet lab for natural sciences work. Being in the field with Lisa and her staff is more than a learning experience – it renews the soul!

     JoAnne Cobb is the facility manager who is charged with keeping everything smoothly flowing. This is really her calling: she is the very definition of organized and she treats everyone as though they were THE MOST important person to ever visit the facility. She and local gourmet cook, Leslie, go out of their way to get to know each person’s needs and create a home like atmosphere.

      During the year, the ranch offers “Dinners on the Front” to raise money for their conservation education program. This year, my husband invited to take me to their special “Mountains of Chocolate” dinner for Valentine’s Day. What a great weekend we had! The drive between Lolo and the ranch takes you up the Blackfoot Valley, over Roger’s Pass, and the north along the Rocky Mountain Front. It was spectacular – with patches of fog moving through the front that would first hide, then revel the snow covered mountains behind.

      The meal was an outstanding event. Leslie really out did herself by putting together a very interesting and executing it perfectly, with complimentary wine and LOTS of chocolate. JoAnne was very careful to seat us at a table where she knew we would enjoy meeting some new people with similar interests. The great hall was beautifully decorated with the Valentine theme – very tastefully done. We had a superb time: meeting many new people, seeing familiar faces in different circumstances, and enjoying great food and conversation.

      That night we returned to Dupuyer to stay at the Dupuyer Bed and Breakfast. I had often passed the lovely, old building on trips to and from the ranch and viewed it with interest, but had never before stayed. It was way more that I had anticipated. Owners Joe and Rita Christiaens have a very artistic eye and decorating flair. The have collected some very eclectic artifacts from the area and artfully display their finds in every room. The rooms were roomy yet cozy; the beds are comfortable with convenient bed lamps for reading; and the breakfast we first class. Both Joe and Rite were born and raised in the area and know it like the back of their hands. Their engaging personalities and their obvious love for the place make you want to spend the day listening to their stories.

      Thank you, Sterling, for a wonderful Valentine’s present – we will definitely return for more “Dinners on the Front”.