After the topical discussion on here recently I thought that I would have a look around the big wide world.
There are a lot of other places where this thread has come up,but one line I read on the site the "OD Life" raised this
Quote : But a large portion of a guides wages come from the tips of generous hunters, so it’s not to be taken lightly.EQ:

Well if that was the case I wouldn't be working for any particular outfit on that scheme.

http://www.outdoorlife.com/art...p-your-hunting-guide

Its only a google away to get pages and pages on the subject and rather than simply turning a blind eye to this discussion I for one want to know the ins and outs myself.
I don`t have an income that allows me to take off to where I want to hunt for those species that start off in the multi thousands of dollars.

A $20,000 hunt price accompanied by the air fares and add ons quickly escalates in outgoings and it would be tough to have to pull out a 10-15% tip on 20 grand at the end of it.

That 100 Grand tusker hunt? Is it appropriate to shell out 10% on that? (In the guides eyes yes!)

There is also this dissection/viewpoint from someone that seems to make more dough than I do (ha ha)

http://www.wildsheep.org/pdf/tipping.pdf

Perhaps we should withold the tip until we see the whites of our trophies eyes , unpacked from the crate, innocent of hair slip. I know of a case where the PH was more concerned with flogging off meat than preserving the skin. He disliked removing the guts or cape away from a purpose-built hut with a concrete floor - even when it was two-hours' drive away.

The tip topic has been kicked around so much on this and other forums that it should be, at this point, left to the individual to tip or not. Plus, the amount is up to the individual client. I has researched many websites, outfitters and the like to find that some list that gratuities are separate and having said this are for the most part expected. Other sites nothing is stated or in print. This should be clear and concise without question. I will be the one who determines whether a tip is necessary and the amount is up to me period. I do believe in gratuities. If the amount that a guide, tracker, cook or etc. depends upon the tip...well the outfitter should shoulder the weight. My .02 cents. MTG