I am about a month away from leaving for my Red Deer Stalking trip to Scotland and had a few questions about tipping etiquette.

What is the current rate for a Tip when Red Stag Stalking? I will be using the Stalker/Keepers Gun so I assume that I need to tip more for that.

Is it best to tip each day or wait until the end of the trip (3 Days)

Do I put the tip in an envelope or just fold it up and give it to the Stalker/Keeper?

Any help or advice would be greatly appreciated.

I'd tip him at the end of the stay as long as you keep the same stalker.

My suggestion would be £75-150 depending on your budget/ happiness of the hunt.

quote:

I'd tip him at the end of the stay as long as you keep the same stalker.

+1

He'll appreciate the feel of those banknotes pressed directly into his hand.

End of the stay - when they deliver the cleaned heads to you. Don't forget the pony man (if there is one). Handshake + folded notes.

Fold the notes and place in your pocket beforehand, at the right time, reach in and put them into your hand, hold out for a handshake and look into his eyes, when he gets the feel of them, say thanks and mean it.
Allow him to got a grip of them as you release.
He won't count them till after.
If you've several tips to give, use different pockets if the amounts vary.

Don't stand in front of him, reach for your wallet and start flipping through it..

quote:

Originally posted by Trapper Dave:
Fold the notes and place in your pocket beforehand, at the right time, reach in and put them into your hand, hold out for a handshake and look into his eyes, when he gets the feel of them, say thanks and mean it.
Allow him to got a grip of them as you release.
He won't count them till after.
If you've several tips to give, use different pockets if the amounts vary.

Don't stand in front of him, reach for your wallet and start flipping through it..

+1

When I hunted hill stags in Scotland, the estate's gamekeeper was the guide/stalker, and he and his wife lived on the property. So on the last night of the hunt I paid them a visit (at the outfitter's suggestion), chatted for a while, and handed him an envelope as I departed.

Part of the "tradition" seems to be presentation of the "ivories" from the stalker to the hunter--that could be a time to discreetly pass on a gratuity.

quote:

Originally posted by Trapper Dave:
Fold the notes and place in your pocket beforehand, at the right time, reach in and put them into your hand, hold out for a handshake and look into his eyes, when he gets the feel of them, say thanks and mean it.
Allow him to got a grip of them as you release.
He won't count them till after.
If you've several tips to give, use different pockets if the amounts vary.

Don't stand in front of him, reach for your wallet and start flipping through it..

Excellent advice

Great thanks guys! I have the time and the method, discretely at the end of the hunt with a handshake.

But could use a little more guidance on the amount? One suggestion of 75-150 pounds.

I will be stalking for three days. What would you suggest for the stalker and the pony man(if they use one)

I have asked for a pony to take the stags off the hill. They are going to try, but were not able to confirm that will be available. So I would like to know the tip for the pony man in case that happens.

Me personally I would give the stalker £100-150 ( im assuming your after 2-3 stags as your there 3 days).

Pony man £60-100 for the 3 days.

Sometimes a gift can be as rewarding as money.

Beware of turning up with a nice bottle of scotch as a gift, as there are as many keepers/stalkers that like a drink as there are those that are tee total. I have been caught by that more than once.

K

Thanks Guys!