Tipping Guide

[Red Leg]

I am from Europe, and this is the reason why I asked.

Generally, I do not tip in hunting.
(in my country of Croatia at least, i do not tip, with exeption of good, higher class restaurants, where 10% tip is considered a gentlemans gesture, as well as few coins to leave on table in coffe bar for some nice looking waitress )

But also I understand that in entire Europe, not all the countries are the same.
Local cultures are different.
Local history is diferent and average economic standard is diferent.
So, there could be differences from place to place.

But, anyway, generally - no tipping in EU.
At least in former "western european countries" no tipping,
In East Europe, this has to be checked in advance.

So again, advice from multiple outfitters in Spain is to tip. As you say, it has probably become something expected off Americans. However, another point for our European friends to consider, is the scramble that goes on in many camps in Africa and North America to make sure the junior guy gets the European client.

 

[Red Leg]

We are not so strict in Spain about tipping game wardens. We do tip them, but certainly not at the rate of 150€ a day, considering they are being paid 1.500/2.000 € per month.

Please nobody take offense, but 150€ per day must be the "American" rate. Somehow it seems that US citizens are expected to tip more than anybody else.

Everyone on this side of the Atlantic should note the above carefully - "they are being paid 1500 to 2000 Eu a month." That checks with my own observations. Even in Spain (cost of living about like fly-over country here), a $25 - $30 K salary (USD) a year isn't exactly living large. Think how comfortably any of us could live on that income. I've done it. Many of you have. For me at least, it was a not entirely fun experience. My game keepers worked there butts off, we took two fabulous game animals, and they were as deserving of a tip as anyone who has ever rendered any service I have ever received. I was delighted to pay them, and based upon their salaries, I am sure it was very gratefully received.

 

[mark-hunter]

is the scramble that goes on in many camps in Africa and North America to make sure the junior guy gets the European client.

Does that mean, Europeans are not known to be good tippers?

Thats good to know, we are not even expected to pay! LOL

 

[Red Leg]

Does that mean, Europeans are not known to be good tippers?

Thats good to know, we are not even expected to pay! LOL

Exactly! And the descriptive comments by some of the younger PH's and guides are always quite colorful. Though I hasten to add that I personally don't think European hunters are actually "miserable cheap arrogant demanding hunters" of, shall we say, "questionable parentage." Well, certainly not the questionable parentage part.

And I should add, that I truly love hunting that part of Europe that I have (Spain, Austria, and Germany).

 

[Bushpig4Ever]

The tip is one day’s daily rate for all - $1400, this is average, thats what the outfitter told me when confirming the hunt. The hunt will be a 7-day buffalo in Zimbabwe. This made me really upset and I wonder whether I shouldn’t cancel the hunt. To tip and how much is entirely up to me, but telling me how much is expected is quite cheeky. To tip the owner is silly, I don’t add an additional amount of money to the retail price because the seller gave me good advise... I’m not responsible for the wages of the outfitter’s staff either, he can’t expect that hunting clients pay a share of the wages. If I get a good hunt and a great service, no problem with tipping. But the amount is entirely up to me. $1400 is way too much in my opinion.

 

[Red Leg]

The tip is one day’s daily rate for all - $1400, this is average, thats what the outfitter told me when confirming the hunt. The hunt will be a 7-day buffalo in Zimbabwe. This made me really upset and I wonder whether I shouldn’t cancel the hunt. To tip and how much is entirely up to me, but telling me how much is expected is quite cheeky. To tip the owner is silly, I don’t add an additional amount of money to the retail price because the seller gave me good advise... I’m not responsible for the wages of the outfitter’s staff either, he can’t expect that hunting clients pay a share of the wages. If I get a good hunt and a great service, no problem with tipping. But the amount is entirely up to me. $1400 is way too much in my opinion.

Based upon this 27 pages of discussion, he likely thought he was being helpful - whether he was a "cheeky" fellow or not.

 

[Bullhunter]

The tip is one day’s daily rate for all - $1400, this is average, thats what the outfitter told me when confirming the hunt.
That should be moment where you cancel the hunt.
In that second.

As you say, it has probably become something expected off Americans. However, another point for our European friends to consider, is the scramble that goes on in many camps in Africa and North America to make sure the junior guy gets the European Client.
They have to learn, that they work for their income. That came from the outfitter.
It is not an tipp to pay workers.
If I payed 500 US dollars on an DG hunt, Im sure, the outfitter poperly paid the workers.

My game keepers worked there butts off...
I do this on my job also.
Dayly, 24/7.
Without anykind of tipp.
(If someones tryes to tipp me with money, I send them home, with his fu.... money.)

 

[Red Leg]

The tip is one day’s daily rate for all - $1400, this is average, thats what the outfitter told me when confirming the hunt.
That should be moment where you cancel the hunt.
In that second.

As you say, it has probably become something expected off Americans. However, another point for our European friends to consider, is the scramble that goes on in many camps in Africa and North America to make sure the junior guy gets the European Client.
They have to learn, that they work for their income. That came from the outfitter.
It is not an tipp to pay workers.
If I payed 500 US dollars on an DG hunt, Im sure, the outfitter poperly paid the workers.

My game keepers worked there butts off...
I do this on my job also.
Dayly, 24/7.
Without anykind of tipp.
(If someones tryes to tipp me with money, I send them home, with his fu.... money.)

Pretty much makes my point. Thanks.

 

[Art Lambart II]

The word "TIP" in this case is actually an acronym for "To Insure Promptness" and was originally given by the wealthy before the service was rendered to get preferred treatment. The older I get the differently I view tipping, I like to think of it as "To Insure Prosperity" certainly not my own but that of others. Anyone who can afford to hunt with an outfitter has been blessed by God, blessed with the means to pay for the hunt, the time to take the hunt and a family that supports and sacrifices for your hunting activities. If God has so richly blessed your life shouldn't you pass those blessing on to others.

 

[Bushpig4Ever]

 

[Spooksar]

The word "TIP" in this case is actually an acronym for "To Insure Promptness" and was originally given by the wealthy before the service was rendered to get preferred treatment. The older I get the differently I view tipping, I like to think of it as "To Insure Prosperity" certainly not my own but that of others. Anyone who can afford to hunt with an outfitter has been blessed by God, blessed with the means to pay for the hunt, the time to take the hunt and a family that supports and sacrifices for your hunting activities. If God has so richly blessed your life shouldn't you pass those blessing on to others.

Some people save and scrimp for years to afford a once in a life time hunt, this if you can hunt you must be well off is the biggest part of the problem with most African outfitters.

 

[JPbowhunter]

Some people save and scrimp for years to afford a once in a life time hunt, this if you can hunt you must be well off is the biggest part of the problem with most African outfitters.

I agree, it's one of the more off putting parts of hunting Africa for me. I'm far from well off and if I hunt Africa it will be a genuine once in a lifetime thing. But I've even mentioned that on this forum and people have said things like "i thought that too now I'm booked in for safari number 5". Well that's great but I'm not from those means, once for me means I'll be able to afford to do it once.

I'm a hard worker in my job and when I was a hunting guide i was a hard worker too (did 2 years before the wife decided she didn't like me away so much) and i never had a client go home empty handed. I did big hours given my role was guiding, tracking, skinning and butchering the deer. My biggest day was a 21 hour day and I've never received a tip in my life nor expected it. If I'd ever branched into international hunters and had an american who offered a tip followed by a European/aussie who didn't I wouldn't be offended they didn't or expect it as norm. Id just be happy to receive one from someone who's happy as an extra not an expectation.

 

[Red Leg]

I agree, it's one of the more off putting parts of hunting Africa for me. I'm far from well off and if I hunt Africa it will be a genuine once in a lifetime thing. But I've even mentioned that on this forum and people have said things like "i thought that too now I'm booked in for safari number 5". Well that's great but I'm not from those means, once for me means I'll be able to afford to do it once.

I'm a hard worker in my job and when I was a hunting guide i was a hard worker too (did 2 years before the wife decided she didn't like me away so much) and i never had a client go home empty handed. I did big hours given my role was guiding, tracking, skinning and butchering the deer. My biggest day was a 21 hour day and I've never received a tip in my life nor expected it. If I'd ever branched into international hunters and had an american who offered a tip followed by a European/aussie who didn't I wouldn't be offended they didn't or expect it as norm. Id just be happy to receive one from someone who's happy as an extra not an expectation.

Interesting. Tipping a guide - small game or big game - has been the norm wherever I have hunted in North America for the fifty years or so I have been hunting (and long before, if one reads the literature). For four years while a student, I guided every day of the duck season, and the tip, while not required of anyone, was a significant portion of my income ($20 was a good day - we clearly weren't in it for the money).

But Art is essentially correct. The fact that you are there at all puts you into about 5% of the hunters in the developed world. Acknowledging someone's hard work with something more than a "thank you" doesn't have to be that much of an addition. As I have noted in previous posts, some of these amounts are high by my standards, and I consider myself generous. A genuine handshake, just a couple of hundred bucks, and a "I wish I could do more" will make you someone your PH would be glad to see again.

And if anyone has ever been on a charter boat fishing anywhere in the world, there is a general understanding (at least anywhere I have been - which includes North America, the Caribbean, and Pacific coast Costa Rica) - that the mate or mates are working for a tip.

 

[Spooksar]

Interesting. Tipping a guide - small game or big game - has been the norm wherever I have hunted in North America for the fifty years or so I have been hunting (and long before, if one reads the literature). For four years while a student, I guided every day of the duck season, and the tip, while not required of anyone, was a significant portion of my income ($20 was a good day - we clearly weren't in it for the money).

But Art is essentially correct. The fact that you are there at all puts you into about 5% of the hunters in the developed world. Acknowledging someone's hard work with something more than a "thank you" doesn't have to be that much of an addition. As I have noted in previous posts, some of these amounts are high by my standards, and I consider myself generous. A genuine handshake, just a couple of hundred bucks, and a "I wish I could do more" will make you someone your PH would be glad to see again.

And if anyone has ever been on a charter boat fishing anywhere in the world, there is a general understanding (at least anywhere I have been - which includes North America, the Caribbean, and Pacific coast Costa Rica - that the mate or mates are working for a tip.

I agree and I tip generously for a good hunt but what gets me is when the outfitter excepts you to pay a very generous tip because you are from North America and can afford it, in their eyes.

 

[JPbowhunter]

Interesting. Tipping a guide - small game or big game - has been the norm wherever I have hunted in North America for the fifty years or so I have been hunting (and long before, if one reads the literature). For four years while a student, I guided every day of the duck season, and the tip, while not required of anyone, was a significant portion of my income ($20 was a good day - we clearly weren't in it for the money).

But Art is essentially correct. The fact that you are there at all puts you into about 5% of the hunters in the developed world. Acknowledging someone's hard work with something more than a "thank you" doesn't have to be that much of an addition. As I have noted in previous posts, some of these amounts are high by my standards, and I consider myself generous. A genuine handshake, just a couple of hundred bucks, and a "I wish I could do more" will make you someone your PH would be glad to see again.

And if anyone has ever been on a charter boat fishing anywhere in the world, there is a general understanding (at least anywhere I have been - which includes North America, the Caribbean, and Pacific coast Costa Rica) - that the mate or mates are working for a tip.

I think that's what it comes back to, in the US it's obviously part of your culture and in places that recieve lots of US tourists it seems to be becoming expected because they're used to it from visitors rather than it being a part of their culture. I've travelled to nz, through asia and europe and it's not been ever expected there.

I think if you're charging for a service it's at the price deemed as value for that service. Anything above that is a bonus from those that can afford to not a part of the price of service. Mind you, I'm of the belief that within reason hunting should be for everyone and not just the very wealthy.

In terms of the cost, it can become cost prohibitive. If you have a $10k US hunt, add in the standard tips and then covert to Australian dollars it's easily another $2-3k on to a hunt. For some of us that's a lot of money.

 

[Red Leg]

It is for most of us JP, and I get it. And as I noted above, do what you are comfortable with doing. They really would prefer to have you back than destitute.

 

[Smitty]

When I buy my kids a Christmas or Birthday present, it is an expression of my love. WHAT I give them is more an expression of the size of my wallet.
I am all for tipping, and understand it as a reward or expression of gratitude for a job well done. Now, let's face it, I am a poor man. It will be all I can afford to book a Plains Game hunt. I do plan to tip, but it might not be as large a tip as a wealthier man might give.
In the Bible, the widow who gave a small amount was considered to have given more, because she gave 100% of what she had. The rich man, who gave more money, gave a smaller percentage of his worth.
I hope that any outfitter or person who I am fortunate enough to hunt with can understand my gratitude, and accept my tip. I hope he does not judge me based upon the amount of money I can afford to give, because my tip may be smaller than a wealthier man. In proportion, I will give as I can afford.
Just my thoughts, Thanks

 

[barbells.and.arrows]

I honestly can't believe this thread is this long. I've always been of the firm belief, if you are going to book something, do it being prepared to tip a fair amount to whomever you are doing business with. I also am of the firm belief if you plan on engaging said person/company in future business, it pays to tip as well as you can. I also thing being gracious and appreciative goes a long ways too. I have spent some time waiting tables though, so I know what it's like to get a big fat 0 tip from someone who was a jerk.

 

[Cam Moon]

Well, I just came back from my first guided hunting trip anywhere, and it was at Huntershill Safaris. I don't make a lot of money and so to even consider such a trip seemed unrealistic! But I have a passion for hunting, and I really wanted to see the wonders of Africa! I really had to adopt the mindset of money coming and going, and that all though money makes the world go 'round, life is so much more!! I had no real idea who to tip, how much, or even if it's customary, let alone expected. I'm from Canada, but I'll give it in USD, as that seems easiest. I gave $600 to my PH, but he was also very generous with me with animal substitutions and supplements. I gave $100 to each tracker/Skinner (as well as a couple hundred Rand one hard working day) And I left another $100 for cleaning staff, cooks, etc to share. Considering I make less than $40,000/year I felt that was quite generous. But you know what? In 10 years it isn't going to affect me financially, whereas skimping out may have bothered me forever.
Did I give too much? Not enough? I may never know.

 

[Michael Dean]

This damn tipping has gotten out of hand. Why is it that some individuals have to placate their egos by grossly over tipping and bragging to anyone who'll listen about how much they tipped. Tipping is a manner in which to demonstrate your appreciation for services that were rendered that were well above the average. It's a way of recognizing superior service. The manner in which exorbitant tipping has come to be expected is the result of these egos. Too many individuals engage in this type of tipping to simply demonstrate that they have money and can afford to tip exorbitantly.

When you spend more time concerning yourself with what's appropriate for tipping than actually enjoying your hunt you know the issue has taken on a life of its own.

It's time for these alter egos to stop trying to impress anyone and everyone and get back to normal standards; when you over tip you develop an expectancy that the next client is going to follow suit. It creates unrealistic standards and employees that develop unrealistic expectations. Ten percent is the norm follow it. If you receive unexpected, over the top service, recognize it, otherwise follow the norms and tip appropriately. When your PH lets you know that a 20% tip is the norm, you know that things have gotten out of hand.