Tipping

[Newbie Sheep Hunter]

I was listening to the Exo podcast today and they were discussing industry standards for tipping on guided hunts. They all generally agreed 10% was the standard (the guest is a guide/outfitter) but for more expensive hunts it can be less than that. The guest mentioned he is doing a guided Alaska brown bear hunt this year and that he won’t be tipping 10% for that hunt.

Sheep hunts are obviously “higher end” hunts, so I’m curious what people feel is an appropriate tip for sheep hunts - let’s assume the guide works hard, the hunt is a great experience, etc. - and what have people who have been on these hunts tipped.

I have my first sheep hunt booked in the Yukon and want to make sure I tip appropriately on the hunt.

Thanks!

 

[ReddingArcher]

I tipped right at 10% for my guide, I gave the wrangler who was going to be guiding some caribou hunters this year, my tricer tripod and sent him $1000 also. It’s how these guys make their living. I guess I can see how a more expensive hunt someone could tip less than 10% but I personally felt it was worth it.

 

[FAAFO]

I’d be interested to hear more responses. As a guide the last thing I want is gear, rifle or custom knives.

Since a lot of the clients become long time friends when they ask me down the road how the gun or knife is working out I’m completely honest that it was sold the min I got back to town. The next hunt they always bring cash!

 

[CHL]

Yeah, cash is king IMO for the guides, wranglers, etc. A lot of ‘em I’ve become good buddies with say typically, they’d rather not have the gear, binos, knives, etc., and instead prefer cash for sure. With that being said, my most expensive hunts have been Brown Bear and 4 sheep hunts, and I’ve always done a flat 10%.

 

[FAAFO]

Yeah, cash is king IMO for the guides, wranglers, etc. A lot of ‘em I’ve become good buddies with say typically, they’d rather not have the gear, binos, knives, etc., and instead prefer cash for sure. With that being said, my most expensive hunts have been Brown Bear and 4 sheep hunts, and I’ve always done a flat 10%.

Is that a flat 10% to be split between the guide and packer?

 

[CHL]

Yep. Never have had a packer though. Just 1 guide for every trip. However, on my Desert Sheep hunt, there was a guide, and then a few more guys that helped out. I spoke with the outfitter as a “one-off”, and we went down the list of the guys, and he actually said 10% might have been high. Based on my experience in the hunt, and his experience with all of his team, I split it all up based on who did what. But it was still a total of 10% overall.

 

[FAAFO]

I’ve never went into a hunt with a set % for a guide tip. Didn’t know people did that but it makes sense.

This thread has made me feel good about the size of tips I’ve received. Can honestly say I’ve never received 10%, always more. Try to go the extra effort though. The hunt they booked isn’t my dream, but it’s theirs so I want to make sure they have a good time.

*edit* just listened to the podcast. Disagree with a lot of what that guy says regarding tipping. I don’t know who he is but I feel like just because he can barely afford the brown bear hunt doesn’t mean he should short change his guide IF it turns out to be an amazing hunt. Just my biased opinion.