The Dutton Ranch is no place for the faint of heart. Across Yellowstone’s sprawling seasons, we’ve watched shootouts, betrayals, political warfare, and family drama so intense it could buckle the knees of even the toughest cowboy. But behind the grit and the cowboy hats, one truth remains: the Dutton women are a force to be reckoned with. They love fiercely, fight relentlessly, and—when push comes to shove—could absolutely run the ranch.

But who among them would actually succeed? Who could take the reins, keep the cattle moving, and outmaneuver both enemies and family politics? We’ve ranked the seven most notable Dutton women from “probably shouldn’t” to “absolutely born for it.”

7. Summer Higgins

Let’s be real: Summer’s first introduction to the Dutton world involved protesting everything the ranch stands for. She’s smart, principled, and unafraid to speak her mind—but she doesn’t exactly have the skill set to run a working cattle empire. Could she handle land management meetings? Yes. Could she survive a cattle drive in a snowstorm? Probably not. That said, her outsider’s perspective might give her an edge in negotiations with environmental groups, which could be useful… if she could stop clashing with ranch tradition long enough to earn the trust of the bunkhouse crew.

6. Monica Dutton

Monica has heart, integrity, and a deep understanding of the land’s cultural significance. She cares about protecting it—not just for the Dutton name, but for the generations that came before. While her moral compass is admirable, the cutthroat politics of Yellowstone could eat her alive. Monica’s leadership style is empathetic, but sometimes too gentle for a world where rivals will happily burn down your livelihood to take your land. Still, if Yellowstone ever decided to pivot toward community-based stewardship instead of dominance, Monica would be the perfect choice.

5. Teeter

You might be thinking, Teeter? Running the ranch? Hear me out. Teeter has an unshakable work ethic, can wrangle cattle like nobody’s business, and has a “get it done” attitude that rivals any Dutton. Sure, her leadership style might be a little… unconventional (and the ranch meetings would be colorful, to say the least), but no one would dare cross her. She’s got grit, survival skills, and loyalty—and while she’s not blood, she’s proven herself more family than some actual Duttons.

4. Lynelle Perry

Okay, technically, Lynelle isn’t a Dutton by blood—but as Montana’s former governor and long-time Dutton ally, she’s demonstrated that she knows how to manage people, budgets, and political enemies. Running a state isn’t so different from running a ranch, except with fewer cattle and more lawsuits. Her savvy negotiation skills could keep the ranch out of legal trouble, and her political clout could help the Duttons hold onto their land. The only downside? She might be too busy pulling political strings to muck the stalls when needed.

3. Elsa Dutton (1883)

Yes, we’re going way back in the Dutton timeline here. Elsa was pure Yellowstone spirit before Yellowstone even existed—brave, free-spirited, and deeply in love with the frontier. She had the courage to face down danger without blinking and the independence to live life on her own terms. Had she survived, Elsa would have been the kind of leader who could inspire fierce loyalty from ranch hands and intimidate anyone foolish enough to threaten the Dutton legacy.

2. Margaret Dutton (1883)

Margaret was the matriarch who kept the family alive during the brutal trek west. Strong, practical, and fiercely protective, she wasn’t afraid to make hard calls—whether it was about survival, family, or the future of their land. Margaret understood that leadership is as much about heart as it is about muscle. She could wield a rifle as easily as she could manage the household, and her resilience in the face of tragedy is exactly the kind of backbone the ranch would need.

1. Beth Dutton

Was there ever any doubt? Beth is ruthless, brilliant, and utterly fearless. She knows how to win battles in the boardroom, in the courtroom, and—when necessary—out in the open with her enemies. Her business acumen ensures she can protect the ranch financially, her loyalty to her father makes her unshakable in defending the land, and her capacity for psychological warfare means no rival stands a chance. Sure, her scorched-earth tactics can leave collateral damage, but in a world as brutal as Yellowstone’s, Beth’s leadership is survival itself. If anyone could run the ranch and make it thrive—even in the face of all-out war—it’s her.

Final Thoughts
The Dutton Ranch has always been about more than cattle—it’s about power, legacy, and survival. While the men often take center stage, the women of Yellowstone have proven time and again that they can hold their own, and in many cases, outmatch their male counterparts. Whether it’s Beth’s calculated ruthlessness, Margaret’s unbreakable strength, or Monica’s moral clarity, each woman brings something essential to the table.

If Yellowstone ever needed a woman at the helm, the future of the ranch would be in very capable hands—some gentler than others, and some with knuckles wrapped in barbed wire.