Hey.
I also wasn't going to post anything, but couldn't help it..

Why do we tip?, I don't know about you, but I tip someone that is doing for me something I am to damn lazy to do, or uncapable of doing.
Tip, don't tip.. who cares.. My guides will bust thier a$$es for you regardless.

I don't know where you get these figures from about how much an outfitter makes.. but I want to be that outfitter.
You must remember that most outfitters/guides do this job because they love to, not because they have to. My guides will take time off work to be out in the bush for a couple weeks to look after your needs. I pay them a $1000.00 for your 6 day hunt they prob lose money being there. figure this out and see if the math adds up to 200gs..
I am offering a bear hunt for $2400.
I have 8 hunters per week.. $19200 that is if camp fills up. no remove every expense you can think of, then remove more
max of 40 hunters, but typicaly 8 to 16 hunters
and a very limited season. In Alberta we Have NO ranch hunting for big game animals, so we have to hunt the particular seaon that the governmeent sets out.
There are some real big outfitters out there making the big money, but who wants to hunt with these guys ..
People will book with a real big guy because he has a big outfit, but what people don't realize is that alot of these big guys never make it to camp, they have a half a dozen or more camps going at one time. they hire guys to run them hoping that they will do right by them. But with the smaller guys like me, I have a zone that is vurtually unhunted by anyone but myself, loads of bears, I run the camp, I am there all week, if you have an issue with something, I am there to resolve it. We run a very personal camp, fun and light hearted. everyone gets there hands dirty, including, and Especially me.
Slamfire was dead on when he said give them something, guys really appreciate it when you tip them with equipment. I had a fellow give me a chronograph that attaches to the end of my bow.. works real good.
Most people don't tip the outfitter, because he is the one making the huge money(apparently)... but do consider tipping the guides, it gets harder and harder to find good guides when they get stiffed by hunters over and over again. I have had guys request a guide, but guides refused them because of the no tip issue.

I could alway charge the hunter more, and pay the guides better..lol

I promise though.. if you don't tip, they won't spit on your bear...