The "Dude" of Dude Ranching

James Norris (Dick) Randall known as the father of Dude Ranching, brought one of Montana's most important businesses to it great plains. During his younger days, Dick worked as a cowpoke and hunting guide gaining outdoor experience. In 1898 Dick purchased squatter rights to a piece of property in the Cedar Creek Valley in Montana that became known as OTO Ranch and the first Dude Ranch in Montana. Dick had made contacts as a hunting guide and during his time driving stagecoach for Yellowstone. The guests, most of them being wealthy men would come for hunting season often a week or so ahead to ride and toughen up before the hunt began. Randall's ranch offered an escape from the high-tension business atmosphere. The men were interested in everyday ranch work as a source of fun and exercise. Although the guests were use to a luxurious lifestyle, they never once complained about the wall tents, they slept in or the icy water from the mountain stream that had to be heated over a wood burning stove. This was the spice of nature they craved. As finances picked up, the ranch expanded with log cabins, ranch raised and butchered grass-fed beef, fresh garden produce, and dairy cows that provided butter, milk, and thick cream. Randall noted that as women began visiting the Dude Ranch, they would enjoy activities such as gardening and preparing food for the later meal. These were women who typically had maids and servant in their own home. The guests were eager to get their hands dirty and experience the simple rewards life on Randalls ranch had to offer. In 1926, a huge meeting was held in Bozeman, Montana. The outcome of the meeting was the establishment of the Dude Ranchers Association. Randall was a lifetime director-member of the association. The association worked to promote the unique western business of Dude Ranching and also gave Dude Ranchers recognition. The association and its members are still working today to preserve the western lifestyle and allow anyone the chance to be a cowboy.