Stories
Inside Ted Turner's Montana Ranch: How the Flying D Became a Wildlife Haven
M
Moneycontrol•07-10-2026, 17:18
Inside Ted Turner's Montana Ranch: How the Flying D Became a Wildlife Haven
- •In 1989, CNN founder Ted Turner purchased the 113,613-acre Flying D Ranch south of Bozeman, Montana, transforming it into a conservation-focused working property.
- •The ranch provides a thriving habitat for native wildlife, including large bison herds, Rocky Mountain gray wolves, black bears, mountain lions, elk, and various bird species.
- •Rivers and streams running through the property support healthy trout fisheries and connect the diverse forest, meadow, and upland ecosystems.
- •Over decades, Turner assembled about 2 million acres of conservation-oriented properties across the US, pioneering a model where ranching and wildlife protection coexist.
Key Questions Answered
CNN founder Ted Turner acquired the 113,613-acre Flying D Ranch south of Bozeman, Montana, in 1989.
The Flying D Ranch provides habitat for Rocky Mountain gray wolves, black bears, mountain lions, Rocky Mountain elk, mule deer, white-tailed deer, Shiras moose, pronghorn, badgers, and bald and golden eagles.
Ted Turner passed away on May 6, 2026, at the age of 87 in Lamont, Florida, surrounded by his family.
