Guide Tipping

J

jimbooooo

New member
I go on a hunt every year and have always been a little unsure of how much to tip the guides. I've heard $25 a day (seems low) to 20% of entire trip, including the lodge (seems high). We do stay in their lodge, but we supply our own food and do our own cooking. The guides are the owners, so they aren't working for someone else. We are usually hunting for 3 or 4 hours a day. They're great guys who always put us on birds. I just want to make sure I am fair.

Any input would be appreciated.
 
That is a good question, and one that I am suprised that you asked. I am a guide so I look at it from a different point of view. I think that what you tip is entirely up to you and it should reflect how well you think he did. It is alot harder to guide a large group compared to 6 guys. The effort the guide put into it should be considered. Some groups are so easy and others are almost impossible. In my case I never expect a tip and am not disapointed at all if there is not one. If he tried hard and kept everybody safe it might be worth something. If you had the time of your life that might be worth more. I have had tips from $20 to $400 to nothing at all, and I was fine with all of them. When I tip a waitress I base it on her performance not a formula.
 
Thanks for your input Haymaker. There just seem to be so many factors to base it on that I become unsure.

Good Hunting!
 
Tipping

I've been guiding on both the water and in the field for over twenty years and have come to learn that there are many out there who have this question. I like to reference your waitress at a restaraunt -15% is generally the standard for quality service -for at most an hour or so of that service. A quality guide spends much more time with you than that. What makes it difficult for guides is how clients view a succesful hunt? Is it, killing or catching everything you came for or is it the efforts of the guiide on an unsuccessful trip. I know from experience that guides work harder when the fish aren't biting or the game isn't cooperating. Rule of thumb should be at least 10% of the cost of the trip for the guides -at least-don't hesitate to add a little if you feel they put forth extra effort. When appropriate, another 5% or so for the cooks and lodge staff are always welcome.
 
I've served as pheasant hunting guide for charity hunts here in Iowa; United Way, Pheasants Forever, etc.

On average, I've received about $150 in 'tip' for a day and a half afield.
 
I've don't use guides often, but I've always made the assumption that the "tip" was rolled into the price:eek: Being a poor-boy, I plan/budget my trips so that I can squeeze one guided hunt in. If I were to tip the guide, it would make it that much harder to hire one/pay trespass fees. If I were staying in a lodge, I wouldn't think twice about tipping the wait staff/cook/bartender, but I've never done that.

Loch, if you're listening buddy, I didn't budget a tip in for ya this time either. Sorry man, my glowing personality will have to do unless I can scrounge up a few extra bucks before my trip:eek:
 
I look at it like this--If they own the company then my service/fees is included with the tip. If they are guiding for a owner or maybe a buddy then I feel like they deserve a tip. Some of these owners are charging a good wage to take you on wild game which a lot of them pay nothing for--especially with fishing. Now hunting granted they are paying for the land. To each his own and if you feel like tipping who is going to say no.
 
haymaker said:
That is a good question, and one that I am suprised that you asked. I am a guide so I look at it from a different point of view. I think that what you tip is entirely up to you and it should reflect how well you think he did. It is alot harder to guide a large group compared to 6 guys. The effort the guide put into it should be considered. Some groups are so easy and others are almost impossible. In my case I never expect a tip and am not disapointed at all if there is not one. If he tried hard and kept everybody safe it might be worth something. If you had the time of your life that might be worth more. I have had tips from $20 to $400 to nothing at all, and I was fine with all of them. When I tip a waitress I base it on her performance not a formula.
Click to expand...

You're my guide if I ever need one. I like your attitude.
 
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