stupid question #1

[rwlittle]

leaving for my first guided hog hunt next month and was wondering if it is required or expected for the client to tip the guide. I would guess the answer is, "no". ...especially since the guide is the owner of the ranch (Hillside Hog Haven).

thanks...

 

[SDHNTR]

I would say "Yes."  I hunt with a different hog guide and have been on several other guided hunts and I always tip.  Even the cook, if there is one, should be tipped.  Especially if you plan on coming back.  In my opinion guides are just like anyone else in the service industry and deserve a tip for superior service.  If the guide fails to meet your needs or is otherwise rude or unprofessional then "no" a tip would not have been earned.  But do give credit where credit is due.  Just my little 2 pennies.

 

[QALHNTR]

I've been fortunate to hunt with Nesson Schmidt out of King City several times.  I've never seen a bunch of harder working guys.  I wish I could hire them for my shop!  We have always tipped and they DO remember us the next year.  However, if the service was crappy, I wouldn't tip.  Good luck on the hunt!

 

[songdog]

Yes, tip if the service is good.  Cash is always the #1 choice but sometimes it's nice to throw in something that might be a little different.  I've seen guys bring one of their own hand made knives.  I've left a shadow box of salmon flies myself.  Remember that this should be in addition so cash though.  Most of these guys get by on very little and while they may appreciate a handmade item... they're hard to eat.

How much?  $50 for a local pig hunt.  Maybe $100 if you get a whopper and have a really good time with a good guide.

I've heard of guys leaving their custom rifles with Alaskan guides for really good hunts... that would have to be a really good hunt.

 

[limit7]

What is common for a tip?  15% / 20%?

 

[SDHNTR]

That may be a bit much but if it is deserved, by all means.  My pig guide charges $400 and I usually give him and extra $50.  I'll usually throw in a bottle of Kentucky's finest or a case of Rocky Mountain original.  I also go with a group of 6-8 guys so $50 each ends up being a nice tip and he's always very appreciative.  On last fall's elk hunt in CO I gave my guide an extra $300.  My buddy and I also tipped the cook $100.  I am by no means made of money (far from it in this economy) but I save all year to go hunting on good trips and I factor the tip into overall hunt costs.  The guides that serve me well I will return to and I know they will remember me and bust their rumps to make the hunt a memorable one.  Tips are worth every penny.  I grew up working on sportfishing boats in SD and learned this very quickly.  A nice tip was never forgotten and those folks got the best baits in the tank and their hamburgers hand delivered.  

 

[shaginator]

Generous guys like you make me feel I'm in the wrong business! I should sign up for guide school.

 

[paulc]

10%  is a reasonable amount for a tip for service that meets your expectation.  if it is above and beyond (and i have had guides that have done that) go up from there.. tip the cook and the mule/horse handler if they are part of the outfit.
you may also have an agreement up front with the guide that if a certain level of trophy is bagged that there is an additional tip.

 

[rwlittle]

thanks for the responses. I will definately tip.

 

[BoarExpGuide]

Well as my user name suggests I am a pig guide up here in Central California with Boaring Experiences, LLC.  When it comes to tipping a guide who better than a guide to tell you what they expect.  As a guide I don't expect to be tipped, but I really count on tips to make the day/weekend a profitable one.  Sure I get paid from my boss, but tips can really make a difference, especially since I drive my own truck, pay for my own gas and pay for all the truck repairs (just dropped $1,500 into in the last two weeks).  On those days when we go home empty handed tips should still be given if you think a guide worked their butt of doing everything to could get you a pig.

The amount of the tip is really up to the hunter and what he can afford.  I have had tips from $5 to $375, but interestingly enough nobody has ever given me anything other (gun, knife, etc.) than money.  For a one day hunt with two people I think $25 from each person ($50 total) is a good minimum.  For multiple days the same $25 per person is also a good starting point.  But don't worry if you gave a guide more we won't complain.

As for the previous post from paulc, he is a client of ours and I really enjoy hunting with him.  Not only because he's fun to be around, but because he's also a good tipper.  Thanks paulc for the previous tips I do appreciate it.

Dwayne
www.boaring.com