Tips/Gratuities

Rebel Dog · 06-01-2005, 08:25 AM

If you go on a guded hunt and had a terrific guide what is a fair amount to tip? I understand if your guide is you outfitter then his tip should be his fee. What are your thoughts?

huntnmuleys · 06-01-2005, 08:42 AM

i think that is a personal decision. i believe that a job well done should be rewarded, but i personally wont break the bank doing it either.
i think some people look at it as a percentage of what the hunt costs originally, but i dont, i just tip what i feel is right.

Super7 · 06-01-2005, 02:47 PM

I was thinking the same thing Rebel. If the guide is on the payroll of the outfitter then I think you tip them. If he's the one you are writing the check to for the hunt in the first place, then I don't think you should tip.

rather_be_huntin · 06-01-2005, 02:55 PM

Depends on you who you talk to. An ex guide will say 20% some will say 10%. Some will say it depends on the animal you kill. I think it should just depend on how hard he works for you, even if your guide is the outfitter. If they work hard to give you the hunting experience YOU want then tip the best you can. Remember to make your expectations known up front so he knows what kind of experience you want. Personally I hope your decision is based on how hard he works for you, not if you kill an animal or not. Don't foget about the cook either, he'll have as much do with what kind of experience you have as anyone else. A good guide will get to know you and understand what you can afford. Sometimes an old buck knife means as much as anything else if they know that's all you can afford.

Sounds like you've got a fun hunt ahead of you. Good luck!!

RandyA · 06-01-2005, 05:25 PM

The guide, wrangler, and cook should get something. Thier wages are sub minimum wage. But you don't have to give cash, even though they prefer it. I have given bino's, coats, shoes, a gun, and cash.

brother hal · 06-01-2005, 09:58 PM

I have used the same guide for the last 3 years in NM. He is not the outfitter, so guiding is his job for 3 months of the year. He does a great job for me, we always get an elk, and I always give him 15% of the outfitters' fee. He is a carpenter by trade, has a wife, 3 children, and works hard for his pay. His tip, from my perspective, is just part of the total hunt cost.