Supplied Drop Camp Tipping Etiquette?

[CaseyRyback]

Me and a buddy booked a supplied drop camp for elk. They are packing us in, packing us out and will do the meat haul if we are lucky enough to punch our tags. Standard rules apply, we have to get the meat to a trail or otherwise easily accessible location.

What’s the etiquette on tipping in a situation like this? I am no cheapskate. I’ve tipped guides as much as 33%. On the other hand, I’m paying the price that the outfitters asks for the service. Other than transportation, they aren’t providing an “experience”, at least in my mind.

What are your thoughts? Thanks in advance for your input. If it matters, it’s an in state hunt, low point draw tag and I’ll likely book with the guy again but for an archery hunt the following season, provided the service isn’t garbage.

 

[BigAntlerGetter]

Depends regardless there is still a lot of behind the scenes work that goes on for a drop camp, most packers make pretty low wages and donut for the joy of it vs getting rich. And you technically are still getting an experience out of it. Most packers are going to be entertaining you from the time you show up to pack in until they drop you off at camp. Same thing on the pack out. They’re taking care of your meat if you harvest. Depending how far the pack in is they have to string all those animals together and make it back down the mountain, then unsaddle, plus possibly do chores.

It’s not a job of well all they do is ride, it’s a skill to pack your gear and pack it right, keep you safe when riding. Think of all the time they had to put in to clear the trail, set up camp, cut and split wood, take down camp, etc. I always tell people to tip upon the service there’s not really an industry standard like waitressing, but just about every packer is gonna be happy with whatever you give them.

You can tip at the end but not always does the same person pack you out that packed you in, as an owner if there is a tip given to me for the crew I split it evenly between everyone who provided service to the camp unless the client says otherwise, I’ve had guys say X amount is for this one, and X amount is for that one. But even drop camps imo should be tipped. I typically don’t put myself in the tip pool at my company and give it to the employees, just to make sure they get some extra help.


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[Brock A]

I've done a few drop camps and typically tip around 20%. They have all been great hunts. I have mostly been a DIY guy so after getting a ride in/out plus my meat packed out, I know how much that would have sucked physically if I didn't have the horses and I am more than happy to tip that 20%

 

[mt terry d]

I can see tipping an individual for exceptional service like a young guy busting his butt
packing out your moose through a mile of bog or whatever but as a rule I just don't get it
and it's getting out of hand. It's not like guided hunts are cheap.
Does not the outfitter charge a price in the first place that covers expenses, wages, profit
and a small cushion for unforeseen events?

I have a friend who had to board a couple dogs. The bill was outrageous
and the boarder was a bit put out when my friend refused to tip.

How many people tip their insurance agent or doctor's receptionist or
the mexicans shingling your roof?

( asbestos shorts on, flame away.)

 

[atmat]

I can see tipping an individual for exceptional service like a young guy busting his butt
packing out your moose through a mile of bog or whatever but as a rule I just don't get it
and it's getting out of hand. It's not like guided hunts are cheap.
Does not the outfitter charge a price in the first place that covers expenses, wages, profit
and a small cushion for unforeseen events?

I have a friend who had to board a couple dogs. The bill was outrageous
and the boarder was a bit put out when my friend refused to tip.

How many people tip their insurance agent or doctor's receptionist or
the mexicans shingling your roof?

( asbestos shorts on, flame away.)

Yeah, tipping culture is getting outrageous. 100% agree with you on this. I’d rather see appropriate wages baked into costs.

 

[mt terry d]

I don't disagree with BigAntlerKiller that there's a $hitton of work involved
and a lot of guys do it more for the experience than the $$. I get that.
Sure, tipping some guy who really has earned extra in your eyes,
cool.
But a blanket "XX% is expected" certainly doesn't pan out when a hunter
finds out (too late) that his guide knows less than he about hunting or that
the outfitter has seriously overbooked ( not extremely uncommon) or
overhunted his area.
Going back to the guys not making much doing the grunt work. Not everyone
who books a hunt is well-to-do and doesn't blink handing out a few $100
dollar bills here and there. How many have saved for years for this once-in-a-lifetime hunt?
Do they get "tipped" via a discount? Personally I've never heard of it.
I understand supply and demand. However, at least in Montana, the supply is
regulated by the government so it's an artificial supply.
I'm hating seeing hunting becoming a rich man's sport.



Saw this recently:

 

[huntabsarokee]

I have only done this type of hunt twice but we only tipped the wranglers that packed the horses and took us to camp and back. We didn't tip the outfitter. I don't remember how much but about 8% of the price of the drop camp. Think there were 2 wranglers and they each got maybe $50 each from us so $200 per wrangler. Granted this was quite a few years ago. Comes out to $100 per wrangler for the ride in and $100 out. I think at the time these hunts were only $1200 to $1400. Trips in weren't that long maybe 2 hours.

 

[Crowmangler]

In my limited experience the guide will break down the costs up front. Usually it's an extra charge for packing meat out because you may not need that service. Nothing wrong with just having a conversation with him so that you both are on the same page. You don't want there to be hard feelings or awkward exchanges when you settle up, especially if you're planning to use him again. They will appreciate you being concerned enough to ask.

 

[Marble]

Depends regardless there is still a lot of behind the scenes work that goes on for a drop camp, most packers make pretty low wages and donut for the joy of it vs getting rich. And you technically are still getting an experience out of it. Most packers are going to be entertaining you from the time you show up to pack in until they drop you off at camp. Same thing on the pack out. They’re taking care of your meat if you harvest. Depending how far the pack in is they have to string all those animals together and make it back down the mountain, then unsaddle, plus possibly do chores.

It’s not a job of well all they do is ride, it’s a skill to pack your gear and pack it right, keep you safe when riding. Think of all the time they had to put in to clear the trail, set up camp, cut and split wood, take down camp, etc. I always tell people to tip upon the service there’s not really an industry standard like waitressing, but just about every packer is gonna be happy with whatever you give them.

You can tip at the end but not always does the same person pack you out that packed you in, as an owner if there is a tip given to me for the crew I split it evenly between everyone who provided service to the camp unless the client says otherwise, I’ve had guys say X amount is for this one, and X amount is for that one. But even drop camps imo should be tipped. I typically don’t put myself in the tip pool at my company and give it to the employees, just to make sure they get some extra help.


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I'll add to this...

All of the above is true. While back in the mountains, you may run short on something, get injured, forget or break an item etc. I've ran into outfitters several times that were making multiple trips back and forth between camps and ranch house. They were checking on clients, bringing in requested supplies and picking up meat etc. I would just consider these things when you are in the camp. I would start at 10% and depending on everything that happens, I would probably tip more. It's a service industry and they want you to have a great experience.

If you tip poorly, don't expect great service on the next trip.

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[atmat]

I would just consider these things when you are in the camp.

But that’s their core job duties, which you’re paying for.

If you tip poorly, don't expect great service on the next trip.

Quality service should be an expectation, not “earned” through tipping.

 

[Indian Summer]

Keep in mind there was work done before you got there and there will be plenty more after you are gone. It’s not just about transporting you game in and out.

Tip your packer! It doesn’t have to be a percentage. Come up with a fair amount. At least $300. More if it’s a long ride AND if he does you any special favors. If he has to pack them out for you another $200. If your Hunt sucks don’t blame him either. It’s not his fault. Quite frankly it’s usually the fault of the Hunter. If I ride into your camp in the middle of the day and you are sitting inside the tent, telling me you can’t find elk you will not like my reply!

Remember a packer isn’t just a packer. He’s full of information. Be sure to talk to him when you get to camp and get as much information about the elk as you can.

 

[LaFever]

I tip the trapper at trap shooting, the kid that works the trap and keeps score so I'm probably not the guy to ask

 

[voltage]

Tipping sucks... What is the chance you use this service again?

 

[mt terry d]

I tip the trapper at trap shooting, the kid that works the trap and keeps score so I'm probably not the guy to ask

That's a totally different situation. Like tipping a kid who does a good job mowing your lawn.
I'll (generally) tip a proficient waitress 20-30%.
If I think (or know) it's a young gal struggling I've tipped up to 200%.

 

[TaperPin]

These ranch kids aren’t getting rich off what the outfitter is paying them to haul you in. I wouldn’t hesitate to buy them each a steak dinner and beer for the way in, then do the same on the way out for them and the misses, and tell them that’s what it’s for. I don’t know why, but when clients tip and put it in terms of buying dinner it seems nice, compared to wadded up bills they put in your hand and run off. If money is tight I’d say it was for lunch and wish money wasn’t so tight or I’d buy ‘em dinner. People appreciate an honest gesture. The ranch manager I used to stack hay bales for always picked up the bill for a big breakfast - it wasn’t a lot, but to this day I still think it was nice of him.

 

[Indian Summer]

These ranch kids aren’t getting rich off what the outfitter is paying them to haul you in. I wouldn’t hesitate to buy them each a steak dinner and beer for the way in, then do the same on the way out for them and the misses, and tell them that’s what it’s for. I don’t know why, but when clients tip and put it in terms of buying dinner it seems nice, compared to wadded up bills they put in your hand and run off. If money is tight I’d say it was for lunch and wish money wasn’t so tight or I’d buy ‘em dinner. People appreciate an honest gesture. The ranch manager I used to stack hay bales for always picked up the bill for a big breakfast - it wasn’t a lot, but to this day I still think it was nice of him.

I have mixed feelings on that. I’ve seen plenty of “kind gestures”. Hunters giving guides custom knives, a gps, their daypack or some other piece of gear that I could tell they were probably never going to use again. But a guide appreciates nothing more than good old money. Let them spend it how they choose. Everyone has different things going on in their lives so it’s hard to say where it would help them most.

I can also tell you that between hunts there isn’t a lot of time to regroup. Guides have catching up to do. Old ones recuperate. Some use their extremely limited time off during season to hunt a day for themselves. So they aren’t trying to be rude or inconsiderate but there are times where they can’t drop hunters off at the hotel and get home fast enough.

 

[TaperPin]

I have mixed feelings on that. I’ve seen plenty of “kind gestures”. Hunters giving guides custom knives, a gps, their daypack or some other piece of gear that I could tell they were probably never going to use again. But a guide appreciates nothing more than good old money. Let them spend it how they choose. Everyone has different things going on in their lives so it’s hard to say where it would help them most.

I can also tell you that between hunts there isn’t a lot of time to regroup. Guides have catching up to do. Old ones recuperate. Some use their extremely limited time off during season to hunt a day for themselves. So they aren’t trying to be rude or inconsiderate but there are times where they can’t drop hunters off at the hotel and get home fast enough.

I’m not eating with them, just giving them the cash. They will do what they want with it, but it’s enough to eat out on me.

 

[BigAntlerGetter]

So let’s say outfitters added gratuity into the price of the hunt, then paid normal hourly wages for a professional trade. Average cost for a drop camp is around $2000,

You show up at 8am to be packed in, the packer has been there since 5:30AM, you have to pack up all ur gear drive to a trailhead, packer has to drop you off come back down, unsaddle, feed, the go home, depending he’s probably not done until 7pm…. 13.5 hour day at $25/hour? $337.50 for 1 day, then he resupplies you mid week, that’s maybe a 9 hour day- $225, and then your pack out another $337.50 altogether for 1 packed it’s $900. What if you kill an elk? That’s probably another $225 day for each elk they have to pack out, 2 guys kill that’s another $550, total employee wages could be $900-$1450. That’s a pretty big cut into a profit. Then add in the camp setup and take down, which is hopefully 1 day a piece for 2-3 guys, that’s another 12 hour day X2-3 guys. That’s $1200-1800, which you could figure can be divided between all the drop camp hunters for the camp. Then you got farrier, disposables costs, feed, vet care, etc. so sure group of 4 guys can be $8000 for a week, but may also double your employees to pack them in and out. How many guys are gonna want to pay $3000 each for a drop camp? Plus their tag fees, travel etc.

Many outfitters haven’t raised their prices in 10 years due to the constant rise in tag prices and trying to remain profitable without gouging the hunters. Hay prices go up drop camps stay the same, tags go up prices stay the same, this is why many guides, packers, wranglers don’t make hourly wages and are on the lower end of the pay scale. Outfitters would love to be able to pay more, but this industry has always been tip reliable…. And these guys are doing a little more than making you a double mocha espresso and writing ur name on a cup. You’re trusting them with 1000’s of dollars of gear and ur life technically and they’re still giving you 110% even if they are only making like $150 a day. Every outfitters is different, and their pay is different. But these packers probably know more about the area than anyone else to and have real world experience there, better than any app you pay for has that’s for sure.


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[CaseyRyback]

Thanks for the input. For clarification, this is a five day fall hunt. I won’t need resupply or checking on. The advertised service is for transport into and out of a supplied camp with the meat haul included, if necessary. We are paying $3700 per hunter. I’m not looking for a free lunch on anyone. This place requires horses and I don’t have access to horses, so I’ll gladly pay the fee that the outfitter sets.

I’m still conflicted on kicking the outfitter another $1000+. The worker bees, that’s a no brainer. But the outfitter has an exclusive use permit. He literally has a monopoly on the area. It’s not like I can shop his price. So it’s hard to believe the proprietor isn’t setting a price they feel is worth their time and investment.

I’m open to being wrong on this one. I’m just not convinced thus far that this service warrants another 15-20% to the outfitter.

 

[BigDuckHunter]

Thanks for the input. For clarification, this is a five day fall hunt. I won’t need resupply or checking on. The advertised service is for transport into and out of a supplied camp with the meat haul included, if necessary. We are paying $3700 per hunter. I’m not looking for a free lunch on anyone. This place requires horses and I don’t have access to horses, so I’ll gladly pay the fee that the outfitter sets.

I’m still conflicted on kicking the outfitter another $1000+. The worker bees, that’s a no brainer. But the outfitter has an exclusive use permit. He literally has a monopoly on the area. It’s not like I can shop his price. So it’s hard to believe the proprietor isn’t setting a price they feel is worth their time and investment.

I’m open to being wrong on this one. I’m just not convinced thus far that this service warrants another 15-20% to the outfitter.

I’ve always been told you don’t tip the business owner as they can set the price they want themselves. If they want to make an extra 20% then they should just increase their price an extra 20%.

I also feel similarly about paying employees. If they want to get paid a certain amount, then that’s what they should work for. Then a tip will just be an added bonus.

I’ve never ran a hunting outfit, but the businesses I have run, I made sure the employees were paid well enough that they didn’t need a bonus or tip to make ends meet.

Same with jobs I’ve had in the past. I’d never take a job that I have to depend on someone knowing an unwritten rule about how much they’re supposed to pay me even though I’m charging them a lesser amount.

Things would be a lot less complicated and there’d be fewer unhappy people if folks charged what they wanted to get paid.

And then you can throw them a little extra beer money on top to make their day at the end if they went above and beyond or you want to make their day.