What is going on with tipping culture in the hunting industry?

[dailordasailor]

What about the UK? We’ve hunted there a few times and going back next year. Always tipped ~20% as they are budget/cull hunts but never had reference to what is “expected” there

 

[Sabre]

But, there is the issue that RSA for example limits the amount of cash you can bring into the country to $1300 US if I recall correctly. Now if I am going to tip even 10% on a 20,000 hunt for several PG and maybe a Buffalo or other DG animal (croc, hippo, etc), I either must figure out a way to bring in more cash, and declare it on entry or do what?? Give them Krugerrands? Diamonds, traveler's checks? It is a real question.

I don't know that there is such a small limit on USD that can be brought in. The amount you stated is about the amount in Rand a person can bring in. Generally when I have traveled abroad the limit I frequently hear is $10,000 USD. I know that the vast majority of people that I know of that have traveled to SA have taken more than $1,300 USD and never had an issue. Although, I am not an expert on this information and just speaking from experience.

 

[Sabre]

What about the UK? We’ve hunted there a few times and going back next year. Always tipped ~20% as they are budget/cull hunts but never had reference to what is “expected” there

If you're going by percentages, I think it makes sense to tip a higher percentage on a cull or low cost hunt just to fairly compensate the PH/Guide for their time and effort. Within reason of course. But if you were on a cull hunt and killed $300 worth of animals over 3 days, it would be unreasonable to tip a PH/Guide 30-40 bucks.

Have you always hunted at the same place in the UK? I see your one hunt report for there and it looks like a good time.

 

[dailordasailor]

Even a cheap cull hunt can add up lol. Want to say I paid $1100 for critters plus the 400 or so for hunt fees. Tipped $300 I think and guide seemed genuinely happy. Also at that time very different financial situation then I have now. I’ve hunted with Hockham Deer Management on our first international hunt in 2017. Going back with them for 2 days then 3 days with a new guide for trophy muntjac/CWD. Strongly recommend Hockham, I’ve talked to my guide ever since. Also how I met Manish the mustache.

 

[UKHunter]

What about the UK? We’ve hunted there a few times and going back next year. Always tipped ~20% as they are budget/cull hunts but never had reference to what is “expected” there

In the UK the norm would be about £40-60 per day, esp if you aren’t after trophies.

 

[Hunt anything]

I don't know that there is such a small limit on USD that can be brought in. The amount you stated is about the amount in Rand a person can bring in. Generally when I have traveled abroad the limit I frequently hear is $10,000 USD. I know that the vast majority of people that I know of that have traveled to SA have taken more than $1,300 USD and never had an issue. Although, I am not an expert on this information and just speaking from experience.

$10,000 is the limit to take out of the US without declaring it. You can take more but you’ll spend a lot of time explaining why you are taking more than that.
In 4 trips to South Africa and 1 transfer through South Africa I’ve never been asked how much cash I have. I normally take around $5,000 with me for extra animals and tips.

 

[Northern Shooter]

With the sky high prices of hunts these days, a 25% tip seems outrageous.

I’d rather a 10-15% tip be baked into the hunt cost from the start and be done with this game of tipping enough after the hunt has completed or guides/outfitters and staff complaining that you didn’t tip enough.