Sports Afield Trophy Properties Team
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Tina Durflinger, Brand Manager/Real Estate Director
Originally from California, Tina Durflinger spent every summer of her youth on her family’s 90-acre farm in Michelle, Indiana—an experience that fostered her lifelong love of the outdoors and rural living. She often describes herself as "a city girl with a country heart," equally at home in the backcountry as she is in a boardroom. Tina holds a degree from California State University, Los Angeles, and brings over 35 years of experience as an accomplished Operations Administrator, with a strong background in customer service and organizational leadership. Known for her dedication, integrity, and compassionate approach, Tina is a natural relationship-builder who consistently puts people first. Beyond her professional achievements, Tina is a devoted mother to a daughter with autism and is a passionate advocate for inclusion and the inherent value of every individual, regardless of their abilities. In her personal time, she enjoys woodworking, gardening, and serving actively in her local church. She also cherishes her family’s annual camping trips and holds fond memories of backpacking in the High Sierras along the North Fork of the Kings River.
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Jerry Gutierrez, Chief Operations Officer
Jerry Gutierrez, a native Californian, brings over two decades of diverse experience in graphic design, media production, and executive leadership to his role as Chief Operating Officer of Sports Afield, and Sports Afield Trophy Properties. He began his journey with the company in 2003 as a graphic designer and has steadily advanced through the ranks, holding key positions including Senior Graphic Designer for Safari Press and Art Director for Sports Afield magazine. Jerry holds a Bachelor of Arts degree with an emphasis in Design from California State University, Los Angeles. His professional background spans education, software, and media, having started his career as a middle school computer science and math teacher before transitioning to a major software firm, where he worked in marketing as a graphic designer, photographer, and media specialist. His creative portfolio includes editing short films, producing movie trailers, and contributing to commercial campaigns. Known for his creative vision, technical expertise, and leadership acumen, Jerry now oversees operational strategy and creative direction across the Safari Press and Sports Afield brands. Outside the office, he enjoys spending quality time with his wife and two children.
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Annette Patterson, Art Director
Annette Patterson has been a valued member of the Sports Afield Trophy Properties (SATP) team since 2014, bringing with her a rich background in graphic design and visual communication. She holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from Carson-Newman University in Jefferson City, Tennessee, graduating just as the era of computerized graphics was emerging—a pivotal moment that shaped her creative journey. Annette began her professional career with a unique international assignment in Ghana, West Africa, where she served for two years as Assistant Publications Director, helping to produce Sunday school materials. Upon returning to the U.S., she built a strong portfolio in newspaper graphics, working for several years in deadline-driven editorial environments before transitioning into her role at SATP. Known for her artistic eye, dedication, and versatile skill set, Annette contributes significantly to the design and visual branding efforts of the organization. Outside of work, she enjoys reading, drawing, painting, and volunteering her talents—such as face painting for charitable events. Annette is married to a talented musician and is a proud stepmother to two sons, one of whom is on the autism spectrum. She also finds joy in music, particularly the creative humor of Weird Al Yankovic.
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James Reed, Director Of Sales
James Reed grew up in the Midwest, farming and working at his family owned farm implement dealership and hunting whitetails whenever possible. James moved west to the mountains of Idaho in search of more hunting opportunities and the solitude of the Rockies. In 2008 James brought his many years of hunting, guiding and sales experience to Sports Afield when he joined our team. James is now the Director of Sales of Sports Afield and Sports Afield Trophy Properties. As anyone who knows James can attest, hunting is not just his job-it is a huge part of his life. James lives in the mountains of Idaho with his wife and five of his children, all of whom hunt, fish and embrace the outdoor lifestyle. A veteran of the industry, James incorporates 35 plus years of sales experience with 45 years of hunting experience. He has hunted in 10 countries on four continents and is a veteran of 12 African safaris.
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Mai Sample, Marketing Director
Mai has been a vital member of the World Wide Hunting Books (WWHB) and Sports Afield team since 1995, serving as Marketing Director and playing a key role in the growth and visibility of the brands. Her journey to the United States is one marked by courage and resilience—having endured the hardships of the Vietnam War and family separation, she has overcome significant adversity to build a remarkable life and career. With her warm personality, sharp marketing instincts, and keen organizational skills, Mai leads the coordination of major conferences and events for Sports Afield Trophy Properties (SATP), WWHB, and Sports Afield magazine. She is known throughout the organization for her upbeat attitude, professionalism, and positive influence on team culture. Mai’s sense of humor and welcoming nature make her not only a valued colleague but a true morale booster within the company. Outside of work, she enjoys spending time with her husband and their three children, cherishing family life as her greatest joy.
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Ludo J Wurfbain, CEO
Ludo Wurfbain has been a pioneering figure in the outdoor publishing world for over four decades. After immigrating to the United States in 1979, he earned his degree from the Marshall School of Business at the University of Southern California (USC). In 1984, Ludo and his wife, Dr. Jacque Neufeld—a Cincinnati native—co-founded Safari Press, a specialty publishing house focused on hunting and outdoor literature. In 2002, Ludo played a key role in the founding of Field Sports Publishing Inc., which acquired Sports Afield magazine from Robert E. Petersen, who had previously purchased the iconic brand from The Hearst Corporation. Under Ludo’s leadership, Sports Afield was revitalized and reestablished as a premier voice in the outdoor and hunting community. In 2014, Sports Afield expanded further by acquiring Cabela’s Trophy Properties, which was rebranded as Sports Afield Trophy Properties—now a leading international network for recreational real estate. Ludo continues to lead with vision and passion, overseeing strategic growth across the company's media and property divisions. Outside of work, he enjoys downhill skiing, hunting, and motorcycle road racing (as a spectator), as well as spending time with his family in both the United States and the Netherlands.
SATP Planning Council
SATP has a Planning Council in place that consist out of full time licensed and accredited real-estate professionals who have served in the industry for 10 or more years. All planning Council members are Exclusive Sports Afield Trophy Property brokers and highly respected by their peers in the industry. Council members help steer SATP marketing, branding and strategic direction. The council meets physically once a year and hold regular conference calls.
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Kevin Wetherell
Email :[email protected] Kevin is the Broker/Owner of Clearwater Montana Properties, Inc. He believes that providing you with knowledge of the land and area is key to guiding you to make the right choices. Born a 5th generation Montanan, his extensive knowledge of Montana enables him to shoot straight with many years experience and knowledge. He believes in advancing his real estate education and has obtained his CRB (The Council of Real Estate Brokerage Managers), GRI (Graduate of Realtors Institute), RRS (Resort and Recreational Specialist) designations, as well as extensive real estate brokerage management and supervision. Kevin enjoys elk hunting, fly fishing, downhill skiing, hiking, and basketball.
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Jeff Switzer
Email :[email protected] Jeff Switzer founded Rocky Mountain Ranch & Land to realize his vision and passion for the land. He brings over 25 years of experience to the real estate business and his love of the land and the outdoors extends through his business practices. He has been a licensed real estate broker in 5 states and currently holds active licenses in Colorado and Florida. He has worked in every facet of the recreational land business including acquisitions, sales & marketing, land planning, entitlements, and development and has held senior executive positions for several nationally recognized real estate companies. His experience has taken him to every region of the United States and since 1995 he has acquired or managed the development and sale of numerous ranch and recreational properties throughout Central and Southern Colorado.
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Heleen Jacobsen
Email :[email protected] Heleen's life has been defined by hard work and a commitment to excellence. Growing up on a farm in the Netherlands, she developed a strong work ethic and attention to detail that would serve her well throughout her life. When her parents decided to immigrate to Canada in 2000, Heleen followed them and soon found work in accounting. She quickly established herself as a consummate professional, known for her integrity, honesty, and strong ethical values. However, it wasn't until she joined the real estate industry in 2005 that she truly found her calling. Working tirelessly to obtain her Alberta broker's license in 2008, Heleen became a respected and knowledgeable leader in the field. Even while building her career in real estate, Heleen never forgot her roots in farming, and continued to spend her spare time working the land and tending to animals. It is this unique combination of experience and expertise that make Heleen such a valuable member of her community, and a natural fit for the Council.
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Tim Diehl
Email :[email protected] Tim is a Broker/Owner of Southeastern Oklahoma Realty, with an extensive background in land use and development. Having grown up in Oklahoma, he has a deep understanding of the land and the people who own it. With over 20 years of experience in the field, Tim has a wealth of knowledge in all aspects of land use and development, including hunting, timber management, and wildlife management. He specializes in selling recreational, ranch, and lake properties in Southeastern Oklahoma and takes pride in helping his clients find the perfect properties that suit their needs. Tim's passion for the outdoors and hunting is evident in his work, making him the perfect agent to help you with your purchases of hunting land, cattle land, and 1031 exchanges. As an avid hunter and sportsman, himself, Tim offers invaluable insights to his clients, helping them make informed decisions about their property investments.
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Jeannette Carr-Smith
Email :[email protected] Jeannette is a dedicated real estate professional and a proud Montanan who has a deep love for her state. Her passion for real estate is evident in the way she guides buyers and sellers through their transactions, ensuring they have a smooth and stress-free experience. With 19 years of experience in selling real estate and a Supervising Broker designation, Jeannette is a Region Manager for Clearwater Montana Properties, and a Top Producer, receiving numerous awards. She specializes in recreational and trophy properties in the Montana area, with many listings on the Clark Fork River, the Noxon Reservoir, and up the Bull River. Jeannette and her husband Mark, along with her assistants, make up the Montana Dream Team and offer excellent customer service and marketing. In her free time, Jeannette enjoys kayaking, hiking, mountain biking, and reading.
Key Non-Staff Team Members
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Tim Danklef, Safari Classics Productions
Tim's background in marketing and business management has been an integral part of the growth and success of Safari Classics Productions, which produces World of Sports Afield TV. His love of hunting, shooting, and fine double guns eventually led him to Africa, starting a love affair that has only gotten stronger since he first set foot on The Dark Continent over twenty years ago. Tim has hunted and filmed in most of Africa's premier hunting fields and has taken the majority of the recognized dangerous game. Tim has spent a great deal of his professional life on African soil in the capacity of producer and videographer for his company's numerous television and DVD projects and his work has long been enjoyed by sportsmen who see Africa as the ultimate hunting destination. Tim splits his stateside time between the business end of the TV and production division and his African safari booking business.
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Dave Fulson
Dave's has been a life entirely dedicated to his passion for the outdoors. His love for adventure and big game hunting has allowed him to travel the globe in several capacities ranging from guide, outdoor writer, videographer, and producer and television personality. Dave has hunted on four continents and taken over 75 species of big game, but his heart and professional career are most notably linked to Africa. Dave spends a great deal of the safari season on location in Africa filming, hunting, and working with the outfitters Safari Classics represents. When not in Africa, he is in the Dallas office assisting safari clients or overseeing the production of Safari Classics television and DVD projects.
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Christy Funke, Safari Classics Productions
Christy is Safari Classics production manager. Overseeing all areas of video production in the Dallas office, her talent as an editor, combined with her creative eye, is a driving force behind the success of Safari Classics Productions and World of Sports Afield TV. Seeing Africa every day through her computer, and having been on safari herself, enables Christy to capture the mood and unforgettable moments of a particular story or safari. Christy is truly one of the top editors and production specialists in the entire world of outdoor production, making her a key member of the Safari Classics team.