Appropriate Tip for guide??

oldmossback · May 25, 2011

What is the amount that one should tip a guide for a 5 day guided mule deer hunt on a private ranch. They are not providing lodging or food, They just pick us up every morning and take us out until we get something. Thanks

scpaisley · May 25, 2011

Usually about 10% of the cost of the hunt package.

"Some days its just not worth chewing through the restraints"

wrldhunter · May 25, 2011

I usully figure 10% of hunt value as a rule of thumb. If you feel they did an excellent job for you maybe consider more. If the owner is also your guide I'll sometimes give less than 10% because he's already made his money on the hunt. Hope this helps.

oldmossback · May 25, 2011

yes I think the guide is the ranch owners son in law.

ICMDEER · May 25, 2011

Ten percent is the standard. Even if it's the owner, 10% is still the standard. I have heard the analogy it is like going to a restaurant and even if the owner serves as the wait person, you still tip appropriately. And you might be better off having the owner or a fmialy member guide you.

Good luck; hope you stack up a monster.

Wiszard · May 25, 2011

I think it all depends on hwo the hunt goes and if the guide/outfitter handles their business. If they are not attentive and handle themselves in a poor manner...no tip. If they go over and above and everything they told the hunters about the ranch/area/game is accurate....better tip. I owned a restaurant recently and I never accepted tips. I made $$ on the food itself so I made it a point to let the patron know that I was the owner and I DO NOT ACCEPT ANY TIPS. Not too sure if restaurants and hunting trips should be handled the same way. Refer to the first part of this post.

Where you heading and who you hunting with?

Steve
Derkha derkha Muhammed jihad hakha sherpha sherpha abakhala- Gary of Team America World Police

oldmossback · May 25, 2011

LAST EDITED ON May-25-11 AT 09:49PM (MST)[p]Wiszard, I tend to agree with you, Thats the same outlook I have at a resturant, When I walk in the tip is at least 10% then I deduct for every mistake or screwup or rudeness. If they are outstanding then they might get 20%. I think I will take the same approach with the hunt. It is my 12 year old sons hunt and it is his 1st big game hunt ever.
We are headed to a northwest colo. private ranch for 3rd season. The outfit is called mule deer specialists. Seems like a real good guy. Says he can gaurantee my son a shot at a 3 point or better or money back. We will see. My son is not looking for a monster but just a nice 1st buck. He would love to beat his older brothers 1st buck which was a 24" 4x4 2 years ago on public land.

Gator · May 25, 2011

Tip #1 "Don't walk down dark alleys"

"I have found if you go the extra mile it's Never crowded".

Wiszard · May 25, 2011

"Says he can gaurantee my son a shot at a 3 point or better or money back."

oldmossback- That statement right there tells me he that he is not over-stating what kind of deer are on this particular property. Sounds like the guy is being honest and up-front. You'd have to be a little wary if he told you that you'd see 30 bucks a day with several being in the 170 range. Nobody can guarantee that! I hope your son has a great hunt.

Steve
Derkha derkha Muhammed jihad hakha sherpha sherpha abakhala- Gary of Team America World Police

sageadvice · May 25, 2011

Steve said, "...You'd have to be a little wary if he told you that you'd see 30 bucks a day with several being in the 170 range. Nobody can guarantee that!"

Steve, i know that your experience hunting really good private ranches is "limited" so i'm wondering how you can say that?

I have hunted such private Ranches that the above claim would not be out of order at all and i'm sure that even better ranches are out there. Yes, be cautious to false claims but some will tell you that the hunting is super great, because it is! just saying...

Joey

sneakem · May 26, 2011

True there are ranches that do produce that quality. But there also 9 other outfitters to that 1 that claim they do and can't back it. I think he's saying at least he's realistic and not false advertising like most out there...

oldmossback · May 26, 2011

We just wanted a hunt that would give him a good chance at a decent 1st buck and that wasnt a ridiculous price. My oldest son got a nice buck his 1st year but now that unit takes at least 3 points to draw 3rd season so that is out for my youngests 1st hunt.

I talked with about 10 outfits before going with this one. He returned all my emails and phone calls and his clincher was if the boy doesnt get a shot at a 3 point or better at under 300 yards he will refund our money. I even have that in writing. That was all I was asking for.

We have never done a guided hunt before and I had no idea what to assume for a tip. he never mentioned a tip but I assume it is exspected.

Wiszard · May 26, 2011

Joey- Yes, that is an assumption. But if an outfitter is going to guarantee that you'll see 30 bucks a day and several will be in the 170 class....I'd be skeptical. You're right that my experience with guided hunts is limited, VERY limited. However, just from experience in Nevada last year speaks volumes about deer in general. I was on the phone with guys hunting the same exact area I would be hunting for 5 days prior to my arrival and they were seeing lots of bucks per day and several that were "shooters". We hunted for 5 days in the same area and saw 2 legal bucks...only 1 shooter. So, my point is that there is no guarantee. Where had all the deer gone that had been there for the previous 5 days? The day we get there to hunt they disappear? That's exactly what happened. I don't know why but 5 days and we see 2 bucks? Deer habits could change from day to day. An outfitter or guide cannot guarantee that you'll see deer...especially 170 class deer. They just can't be inside the deers head. To each his own but THERE ARE NO GUARANTEES WHEN IT COMES TO SOMETHING YOU HAVE NO CONTROL OVER. Simply my thoughts...

Steve
Derkha derkha Muhammed jihad hakha sherpha sherpha abakhala- Gary of Team America World Police

Gator · May 27, 2011

:But if an outfitter is going to guarantee that you'll see 30 bucks a day and several will be in the 170 class....I'd be skeptical:

so if you only see 27 170 class bucks in one day do you get your money back.LOL
CAN you see that buck right there ask the guide. "No the hunter replies, I can not see him so he doesn't count right against the 30 I should see a day.

"I have found if you go the extra mile it's Never crowded".