Do you tip your game processor?

cnelk

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Mar 1, 2012
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Colorado
This year Ive processed my elk and deer, took my cow moose to the processor.
No I dont tip, but we usually have a beer or two when I pick the meat up at the end of the day.
 

ColoradoV

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Nov 10, 2013
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Yep I drop of off a case or so of beer from the brewery over the year when I am around. Another 12er when I drop off any animal. My man likes the double IPA..

Since it is such a busy season for them I also bring in a take n bake lasagna (bolognese w noodles extruded from scratch) from the restaurant w maybe a slice of cheesecake or cannoli when I pick up.. That way both the husband and wife get something they actually use....

Cut up a ton of elk and deer but with as much as I am all over the time it saves is worth it to us and they do one heck of a good job well worth the $$ to save the time for me..
 

KHNC

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Jul 11, 2013
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Tip processor? Haha, hells no!! They charge the sheet out of me for processing!!! I only take them deboned meat to help on the cost. 35lbs of boned out meat on a WT cost me 82.00 last trip. Had it all ground so no cutting either to speak of.
 

intunegp

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Sep 28, 2021
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Tip processor? Haha, hells no!! They charge the sheet out of me for processing!!! I only take them deboned meat to help on the cost. 35lbs of boned out meat on a WT cost me 82.00 last trip. Had it all ground so no cutting either to speak of.

At $82 per deer, you'd break even pretty quick on a small grinder. If you're boning the meat you're already doing the hard part.
 

rickyw

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Jan 6, 2024
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Alaska
I never even knew tipping a processor was a thing. If they do a good job, I keep using them, and I send people their way. The tip thing is getting out of hand
 

KHNC

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At $82 per deer, you'd break even pretty quick on a small grinder. If you're boning the meat you're already doing the hard part.
I have considered that. Time and paper would be the only thing i would need to have. I dont always grind but i find myself getting more of it than i used to.
 

Charlie Brown

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Jul 10, 2020
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I have processed my own for the last 40+ years. I (we) do use a processor on our out of state elk hunting. The old boy we found is very well priced (cheap) so we always round up 20$-30$. Keeps us on the mountain hunting not loosing a day cutting and wrapping and he is so good I don't think I could do any better
 

BFR

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Jan 5, 2020
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Montana
The last year I had my animals processed I took in a big mature cow elk, cost me $390 to get back 40#s of meat mostly ground. Claimed a hindquarters and shoulder were blown away. She was shot in the neck. I figure he was tipped enough, but karma was alive and well, the crook is now out of business.
 

Olekz

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Aug 2, 2022
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Location
Arizona
Do what you want to do, what makes you feel good! I know after I do my own processing, I tip myself more with a beverage and reflect on the hunt!
 

rclouse79

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Dec 10, 2019
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1,938
I do it myself. My tip is knowing how the meat was taken care of when my family enjoys wild game dinners.
 

akcabin

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Feb 10, 2023
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Mostly all they need is a cold beverage and a great time is had by our family
 

Snowwolfe

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Jun 28, 2016
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Alaska
Can not think of any circumstances where I would tip a processor. But in all fairness have not used one in over 20 years.
I bone out, cut, wrap, and grind every deer we kill.

Owning a meat grinder should be a requirement for every hunter who likes to eat what they kill.
 

hunterjmj

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Feb 3, 2019
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Montana
I typically process myself but I occasionally use the same butcher for elk. He also does our pigs, we buy all our beef from him and chicken. I don't tip him.
 

blackpowder72

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Aug 8, 2021
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NW Iowa
No I don't. I process most of it myself. Only thing I get made is deer sticks. They charge enough for those things !
 

robby denning

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Feb 25, 2012
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15,803
Location
SE Idaho
Big commercial processors I have not tipped because I know it’s not going straight to the butcher. I’m just dealing with a girl at the counter.

But I picked my deer up today from a guy that’s been doing it for me for a couple years, two man operation, him and his son. So I always tip them 10 to 20%. Does what he says, returns phone calls, and lets me age them a couple of weeks. Of course I pay a little extra for that too. I know for sure I’m getting my meat and I want to encourage him to stay in business. Hard to find guys like that.
 
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