stupid question #1

[rwlittle]

leaving for my first guided hog hunt next month and was wondering if it is required or expected for the client to tip the guide. I would guess the answer is, "no". ...especially since the guide is the owner of the ranch (Hillside Hog Haven).

thanks...

[SDHNTR]

I would say "Yes." ###I hunt with a different hog guide and have been on several other guided hunts and I always tip. ###Even the cook, if there is one, should be tipped. ###Especially if you plan on coming back. ###In my opinion guides are just like anyone else in the service industry and deserve a tip for superior service. ###If the guide fails to meet your needs or is otherwise rude or unprofessional then "no" a tip would not have been earned. ###But do give credit where credit is due. ###Just my little 2 pennies.

[QALHNTR]

I've been fortunate to hunt with Nesson Schmidt out of King City several times. ###I've never seen a bunch of harder working guys. ###I wish I could hire them for my shop! ###We have always tipped and they DO remember us the next year. ###However, if the service was crappy, I wouldn't tip. ###Good luck on the hunt!

[songdog]

Yes, tip if the service is good. ###Cash is always the #1 choice but sometimes it's nice to throw in something that might be a little different. ###I've seen guys bring one of their own hand made knives. ###I've left a shadow box of salmon flies myself. ###Remember that this should be in addition so cash though. ###Most of these guys get by on very little and while they may appreciate a handmade item... they're hard to eat.

How much? ###$50 for a local pig hunt. ###Maybe $100 if you get a whopper and have a really good time with a good guide.

I've heard of guys leaving their custom rifles with Alaskan guides for really good hunts... that would have to be a really good hunt.

[limit7]

What is common for a tip? ###15% / 20%?

[SDHNTR]

That may be a bit much but if it is deserved, by all means. ###My pig guide charges $400 and I usually give him and extra $50. ###I'll usually throw in a bottle of Kentucky's finest or a case of Rocky Mountain original. ###I also go with a group of 6-8 guys so $50 each ends up being a nice tip and he's always very appreciative. ###On last fall's elk hunt in CO I gave my guide an extra $300. ###My buddy and I also tipped the cook $100. ###I am by no means made of money (far from it in this economy) but I save all year to go hunting on good trips and I factor the tip into overall hunt costs. ###The guides that serve me well I will return to and I know they will remember me and bust their rumps to make the hunt a memorable one. ###Tips are worth every penny. ###I grew up working on sportfishing boats in SD and learned this very quickly. ###A nice tip was never forgotten and those folks got the best baits in the tank and their hamburgers hand delivered. ###

[shaginator]

Generous guys like you make me feel I'm in the wrong business! I should sign up for guide school.

[paulc]

10% ###is a reasonable amount for a tip for service that meets your expectation. ###if it is above and beyond (and i have had guides that have done that) go up from there.. tip the cook and the mule/horse handler if they are part of the outfit.
you may also have an agreement up front with the guide that if a certain level of trophy is bagged that there is an additional tip.

[rwlittle]

thanks for the responses. I will definately tip.

[BoarExpGuide]

Well as my user name suggests I am a pig guide up here in Central California with Boaring Experiences, LLC. ###When it comes to tipping a guide who better than a guide to tell you what they expect. ###As a guide I don't expect to be tipped, but I really count on tips to make the day/weekend a profitable one. ###Sure I get paid from my boss, but tips can really make a difference, especially since I drive my own truck, pay for my own gas and pay for all the truck repairs (just dropped $1,500 into in the last two weeks). ###On those days when we go home empty handed tips should still be given if you think a guide worked their butt of doing everything to could get you a pig.

The amount of the tip is really up to the hunter and what he can afford. ###I have had tips from $5 to $375, but interestingly enough nobody has ever given me anything other (gun, knife, etc.) than money. ###For a one day hunt with two people I think $25 from each person ($50 total) is a good minimum. ###For multiple days the same $25 per person is also a good starting point. ###But don't worry if you gave a guide more we won't complain.

As for the previous post from paulc, he is a client of ours and I really enjoy hunting with him. ###Not only because he's fun to be around, but because he's also a good tipper. ###Thanks paulc for the previous tips I do appreciate it.

Dwayne
www.boaring.com