Do you tip your game processor?

cnelk

WKR
Joined
Mar 1, 2012
Messages
7,594
Location
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

WKR
Joined
Nov 10, 2013
Messages
556
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

WKR
Joined
Jul 11, 2013
Messages
3,648
Location
NC
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

WKR
Joined
Sep 28, 2021
Messages
675
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

Lil-Rokslider
Joined
Jan 6, 2024
Messages
132
Location
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

WKR
Joined
Jul 11, 2013
Messages
3,648
Location
NC
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

Lil-Rokslider
Joined
Jul 10, 2020
Messages
111
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

WKR
Joined
Jan 5, 2020
Messages
430
Location
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

FNG
Joined
Aug 2, 2022
Messages
20
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

WKR
Joined
Dec 10, 2019
Messages
1,933
I do it myself. My tip is knowing how the meat was taken care of when my family enjoys wild game dinners.
 

akcabin

Lil-Rokslider
Joined
Feb 10, 2023
Messages
229
Mostly all they need is a cold beverage and a great time is had by our family
 

Snowwolfe

Lil-Rokslider
Joined
Jun 28, 2016
Messages
278
Location
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

WKR
Joined
Feb 3, 2019
Messages
1,398
Location
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

Lil-Rokslider
Joined
Aug 8, 2021
Messages
120
Location
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

Administrator
Staff member
Joined
Feb 25, 2012
Messages
15,801
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.
 
Top