Flying D Ranch

The Flying D Ranch, encompassing 113,613 acres in southwest Montana, was protected as open space through a conservation easement donated to the Nature Conservancy in 1989. Managed by Turner Enterprises, it operates as a working ranch focusing on bison production and wildlife conservation. The ranch is known for its diverse ecosystems, ranging from forested lands to rolling meadows, and its commitment to preserving native wildlife populations.

The Flying D Ranch employs in-stream flow water resource management to enhance fish habitats, particularly for the westslope cutthroat trout. The ranch's land management practices support a variety of native wildlife, including mule deer, white-tailed deer, Rocky Mountain elk, and gray wolves. The conservation easement ensures the land remains undeveloped, maintaining its ecological integrity amidst increasing development pressures in the surrounding areas.

The ranch offers hunting opportunities through Montana Hunting Companions and is a prime location for observing golden and bald eagles. The Gallatin and Madison rivers, along with the Spanish Peaks Mountains and Lee Metcalf Wilderness, contribute to the ranch's scenic beauty and ecological richness.