Tipping of Guides and Cooks

For some of you guys and girls out there that have done some big game hunting with an outfitter what is your advice on tipping? I know that you shoud tip your guide and the camp cook but I am not really sure what amount a decent tip would be. If the guide works hard at trying to get your game even if you don't kill something is it a $100.00 or what is considered standard if there is such a thing? How about the cook?

Terry NAHC Life Member since 2003

TT, there is no formula for tipping.  as far as the cook goes, my opinion is that 50-75 is a good tip.  maybe to others its not, but you are already paying a good amount of money for the trip.  as far as the guides go.  guess it depends on what and how they help you to be successful.  if you feel they have done everything they can to make your hunt successful, then in my opinion, 150.  now, if you take an animal, and the guide does the gutting, skinning, caping, etc, then maybe 200 would be fair.  at the bear hunt I'm going to, going in with the feeling that if I get 1 bear, give a 150 tip.  2 bears, maybe 225 for both.  but have to remember, doing the tips for the boy also, so can't afford a whole lot more than that after already paying for the trip.

when out bear hunting, make sure you are at least faster than the slowest person in your party!!!

I typically give the cook $50 & the guide $200. It doesn't matter if you're succesful or not if your guide does everything he can to help you fill your tag. The most important thing in my opinion is to jump in & help with the chores, don't kick back & let your outfitter or guide baby sit you. I've found the more i did to help out the harder my guide would work to help me be succesful.

Gerry

7 Mag
Plymouth, Indiana

Thanks for the information, because that is what I was looking for. This will be my first trip and I new that the cook and guide would need to be tipped but I was just not sure of what a good starting point would be. Yes if the guide works his tail off trying to get you on game even if you don't make the shot he needs to be rewarded for his effort. These trips are not cheap and it has taken me 30 plus years to get to where I could make it so I am really looking forward to it and want to treat everyone correctly.

Terry NAHC Life Member since 2003

What ever you feel is right. Tipping is about service not the kill.

I try to do 10% of the cost of the trip for the guide and 6% for the cook. Hoever I have been on hunts where the guide was the owner. In that case I do not tip much. I figure if he wants to charge more he can so he shouldnt count on my money as an amount for the cost of the hunt. When I did Wy I think I tipped the guide 180 ( I only had 20s) and the cook 80 for the trip that cost 1600. When I went bear total cost was 2000 and the owner was also my guide and his daughter was the cook. He got an extra 50 and his daughter got 50. I think it depends on really how you feel about the situation and service....also you can askothers in camp what theyre doing if you feel comfortable

Sab