Tipping guide /outfitters...... Mods move it if need be

[madcow]

Outfitting is different, as it depends on what services you recieve. On average I tipped $50 per day per couple on my last trip with guide. Others involved got some depending on services

Last trip was 8 people for 4 days, we tipped a total off $2000

 

[2233]

There is a difference between tipping the outfitter and guide. Guides indeed deserve the tip whereas the outfitter is making his living off the hunt cost. It's quite similar to not tipping the restaurant owner but tipping the server. For those concerned about large tips based on high hunt costs make the leap with the idea of an expensive dinner out. If you tip 10 bucks for a $100 dinner bill would you see it as fair to tip $15 bucks for a $1000 bill? Truly high end hunts require the appropriate tip. I have been tipped everything from 0 all the way to $1000 / hunt for waterfowl guiding. No matter what the hunt is though, there has to be good service involved not necessarily a limit hunt.

 

[Cleftwynd]

This isn't exactly on topic anymore as this isn't all about tipping a guide for a waterfowl hunt. When I worked as a guide for stone sheep and elk, I might be with the client/s for a week or more, but my job for them started in May or June. Scouting, looking after horses, fixing outposts, flying in gear and supplies, maintenance, keeping fit, and yes, cornering (keeping an eye) a few select animals for the outfitters "select" clients is all done prior to the hunt. It doesn't pay well, it's a lifestyle. So some types of hunting can not be related to others when it comes to a guides efforts.

 

[Bigbubba]

Ok, so back to the OP
If I went on a waterfowl hunt I might tip 10% assuming the days hunts was $300-$400 per day

And with any luck the outfitter wont be a BUM.

Remember - TIPS are completely voluntary. Nothing mandatory about them. If they were mandatory they would be included in the fee.
The outfitters should just pay the guides more so they don't have to resort to begging. Which is what it amounts to.
And you should never tip the owner/outfitter, only the guides.

 

[NL-Hunter]

I think that the guides and outfitters that recommend tipping 10% welcome your refusal of patronage. I'd piss in your luggage if you gave me a $100 tip after a week long hunt.

What is your average tip? Making the assumption that if someone can afford a $5000 hunt they can afford a $500 to $1000 tip is just plain wrong.

Many factors should take place in assessing the tip. Guides are paid for the entire week, just because it took a week to complete a hunt should not automatically warrant a higher tip.

If you base your entire seasons pay in assuming large tips, you are not paid enough.

 

[xeon]

The outfitters should just pay the guides more so they don't have to resort to begging. Which is what it amounts to.

I disagree. First, the 10-20% wage hike has to come from someone, which is you the client. Second, you'll have to go through a lot of staff to find ones that will go the extra mile when there isn't anything extra in it for them since they're already guaranteed the extra pay.

 

[Cleftwynd]

I disagree. First, the 10-20% wage hike has to come from someone, which is you the client. Second, you'll have to go through a lot of staff to find ones that will go the extra mile when there isn't anything extra in it for them since they're already guaranteed the extra pay.

I agree with this.

 

[Cleftwynd]

One way to look at it, the hunt is $XX,### plus tip, the tip is where you have a say in the cost, if it's crappy service, you get to reduce your total cost. Clients choice. This system works to keep quality up, I wouldn't want to change it myself.

 

[BigUglyMan]

What is your average tip? Making the assumption that if someone can afford a $5000 hunt they can afford a $500 to $1000 tip is just plain wrong.

Many factors should take place in assessing the tip. Guides are paid for the entire week, just because it took a week to complete a hunt should not automatically warrant a higher tip.

If you base your entire seasons pay in assuming large tips, you are not paid enough.

When I hunted Cape Buffalo in Zim I tipped my guide $1500 and a hand made knife. Camp Manager for $500 and a hand made knife. Trackers got $200 each, Game Scout got $150 and camp staff got $100 each.

And I'm not rich, but I'll gladly pay for good service.

 

[Bigbubba]

I disagree. First, the 10-20% wage hike has to come from someone, which is you the client. Second, you'll have to go through a lot of staff to find ones that will go the extra mile when there isn't anything extra in it for them since they're already guaranteed the extra pay.

I would rather pay the extra 10-20% up front knowing that is the cost.

Right now the outfitter has staff that are going the extra mile and "hoping" there is something extra in it for them.
Sometimes there is, sometimes not. Me, I would rather work for better wages knowing what I am getting.

I always ask the guide what they get paid from the owner/outfitter. Some will tell me and some wont.
If I think they are fairly paid (or not) that also influences my decision.

To each their own. Like I said in my first post, its a touchy topic.

 

[NL-Hunter]

I would rather pay the extra 10-20% up front knowing that is the cost.
To each their own. Like I said in my first post, its a touchy topic.

Yup. I do not use guides as I only hunt in NL. Pay $50 for Moose licence, then the amount of trips determine the price per pound. Have a system with me and partner applying every second year, half a moose in the freezer every year.

I have been for a long time thinking of doing a Elk hunt in BC/AB and prices vary from $5000 to $13000 not including transportation which would easily run another $2000. Then there are licence fees on top of that $300 to $500 (?).

Price per pound for the meat would easily creep up over $60. Add a 10% tip and I may as well order some meat online and imagine the hunt/watch youtube elk hunt videos while I eat.

Hard to justify considering my annual cost for a moose hunt.

 

[chisholm]

To the op, I would say just tip what you feel is right. I say minimum 10%, but I've also been on a guided snow goose hunt in Quebec where I didn't give anything, due to the guide being a moron.