As an outfitter, I have been asked many times about how much the hunter should tip the persons involved in his hunting trip, so bellow you will find out some tipping guidelines for hunters. From the beginning I have to underline that tips are not mandatory. In this article I will let you know what I think the beneficial or normal practices are. I will also try to clarify this subject so that you can make an educated choice as to how much of a tip you wish to leave, because after all it is a choice.
Tipping is customary but it’s also discretionary, on the article bellow you will find out some tipping guidelines for hunters
In the hunting industry a tip is customary. That being said, a tip is also always a reflection of the level and quality of service that you have received during the entirety of your hunt and should NOT be considered mandatory. However in the very rare occasions when a person or more involve in your hunting trip dissatisfied you should absolutely inform the owner, the outfitter or the person in charge that you do not feel that a tip is deserved by someone involved in your hunting action.
Why is tipping so important?
The reason is simple, we all we must remember that hunting is a service industry. The custom of tipping has evolved over a long period of time and is responsible for creating an environment of ever evolving higher standards and better quality of service, leaving behind those who are less than hard working.
When to tip?
Most people give their tip at the end of the hunt, which makes sense because it should be based upon overall satisfaction. There are some hunters who says they get better service by offering a portion of the tip at the beginning of the hunt. This may be of particular importance with the person who skin your trophies or your birds.
From the moment you arrive it is important to go out of your way to have warm and friendly interactions with the staff… and I mean all of them. Remember they work together and are often related to each other, if you are disrespectful to one person they will all know about it in short order. That doesn’t mean you shouldn’t complain if there is something that you’re unhappy about, but I suggest you talk with your outfitter or accommodation manager and let them deal with it.
Preferred form of payment for tipping
A tip should be given in cash and it can be done in euro, usd or ron(Romanian currency) You may be surprised to hear that many prefer in euro or usd, which should make it easier for you in terms of knowing what you are giving and not needing to exchange currency.
When it is okay to give an item as your tip instead of cash?
It is always very generous for hunters (and highly appreciated by the staff) to bring “extras” (such as clothes, knives, cigarettes, candy, even perfume or chocolates for the ladies), however these items should not be considered a tip.
How to make sure your tip gets where you intend it to?
You should make an effort to hand your tip or voucher directly to the person it is for. In this way you can help to insure that your wishes are being respected.
Factors to consider when tipping
– Satisfaction with hunting trip
– Success of hunting trip
– Price of hunt
– Number of days of hunt
– Type of hunting trip (big game, samll game or combination of both)
– Number of hunters with guide (1×1, 2×1, etc.)
– Number of non-hunting observers
Typical personnel to tip
– Professional Hunter or hunting guide
– Ranger(s)
– Driver
– Skinner
– Cook
– Servers
– Maids
– Laundress
Who is it normal to tip and why?
A general guideline for me as to who should receive a tip goes back to something I mentioned earlier: the purpose of a tip is to reward and encourage good service.
Asking your hunting outfitter for guidelines
You may wish to ask your hunting outfitter for some guidelines regarding who and how much to tip, however be prepared for a less than clear response as many hunting outfitters are uncomfortable providing advice regarding this subject. Always remember that any suggestion is merely a point of reference and not what you should tip, ultimately the decision is yours.
How much to tip on a big game hunt, here are some tipping guidelines for hunters.
There is a lot of advice and theories out there regarding how much to tip, which often creates more confusion than actually helping you get a better grasp on a fuzzy subject.
For your outfitter:
50 euro/usd per 3 hunting days trip for an average tip
75 euro/usd per 3 hunting days trip for a very good tip for a better than average tip
100 euro/usd per 3 hunting days trip for a very generous tip
I believe that this method works well because it figures in the cost level of the hunt, the number of species you take and allows for you to express your appreciation by giving you the ability to choose the percentage based upon your overall satisfaction.
As for the rest of the hunting team and lodge/camp staff I break it down as follows:
For a typical big game hunting trip here is a tipping guidelines for hunters
Hunting guide: from $/€ 5 to $/€ 10 per person/day
Driver: from $/€ 3 to $/€ 5 per day
Skinner: from $/€ 5 to $/€ 10 per person/day
Lodge/camp staff: $/€ 3 to $/€ 5 per person/day
How much to tip on a small game hunt here is a tipping guidelines for hunters:
Hunting guide: from $/€ 5 to $/€ 10 per person/day
Bird boy: from $/€ 3 to $/€ 5 per day
Dog handler: from $/€ 5 to $/€ 10 per person/day
Lodge/camp staff: $/€ 3 to $/€ 5 per person/day
In conclusion, tipping is a customary practice in the hunting industry, but it remains discretionary and should be based on your overall satisfaction. IT IS NOT MANDATORY!!! It’s an opportunity to reward excellent service and encourage high standards in hunting experiences. While there are tipping guidelines for hunters, your tip amount should ultimately reflect your appreciation for the service received.
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