History of the Blacktail Ranch

Tag Rittel & Sandra Renner

Long before the days of guest ranches, retreats, and trail rides there was a sleepy little cabin and some land 60 miles north of Helena, MT. This is where pioneer Gustav Rittel homesteaded in the late 1880s.

Gold, with the help of the railroad, had drawn him west to Montana in 1885. He arrived in Helena where he picked up the brewing trade, first at the Herman-Rister Brewery and then at the famous Kessler Brewery.

1889, the year Montana became a state, Gustav married Augusta Klause. Three sons were born in Helena and soon after, Gustav and Augusta took over a tiny cabin and a small plot of land in the Dearborn River area deserted by an old French trapper. On this homestead another son and a daughter were born.

This was the very start of the Blacktail Ranch, though of course, it wasn't near what you picture today.

Gustav and Augusta's youngest boy, John Frank, married a local homesteader's daughter Minnie Moren in 1928 and had a son, also named John Frank, who is better known as Tag.

By 1948 Tag had built six small cabins up the creek and started an outfitting business. The heart of the Blacktail Ranch at the time was back country hunting, but there were also fishermen and some summertime guests.

As a young man, Tag married Lyla Carlson and had four children; Eric, Jeri, Lori and John. Unfortunately after a long illness, Lyla passed away in 1982. After some time, Tag fell in love again and married Sandra Renner. Over the years, and with generous applications of good humor and "elbow grease", the kids grew, the cows were sold and a true guest ranch was emerging.

Renovations started in 1984 and have continued until today. What used to be a barn for cows and chickens (and a few vehicles when they would fit) is now the main lodge and dining room. The original six cabins up the creek are still guest cabins but have been modernized and moved a little closer to home. Gustav and Augusta's original cabin has become a museum filled with artifacts of more than 120 years on the land, plus archeological treasures from the famous Blacktail cave.

With time, commitment, and a lot of hard work, The Blacktail Ranch has become an inspiring location for workshops, retreats, weddings and, of course, good ol' Wild West vacations.

In Appreciation

Clearly there have been many people who had a hand in helping us develop into the ranch we are today. Thanking everyone individually would be impossible; however, it wouldn't be right if we didn't try to show our appreciation in at least this simple way. Hopefully we don't miss anyone and more importantly we hope that you know who you are and that you have influenced us greatly.

Thank you to…

…the families for all the hard work and love they put into cultivating such a wonderful area and establishing a place of peace and serenity long before anyone could imagine what would become of this homestead.

…the staff that has come and gone through the years;
builders and growers; movers and shakers; and those who do the little things too. Each of you has left your mark at the Blacktail and we thank you for your individuality.

…Richard Rhydes, a good friend and architect; we cannot overlook his generosity with his time and insight. Also Dave Raymer, contractor and friend who built the Raymer Cabin and the Hogan. This place is more beautiful because of both of you.

…the guests, of course. We wouldn't be here if it weren't for your time, loyalty, and support. Hopefully we will remain in your memories for you are always in ours.