I'm taking notes on the first paragraph Mark, But I thought the quality of the hunt was in direct relation to how big the moose horns are going to be, oops I mean are.

On a similar line, what are the accepted practices for tipping on drop-camp hunts?

Trademark,

I usually give the guy at least $100.00 but just like a fully guided hunt if the guy is a butthead you certainly are not obligated to tip.

Regards,

MARK

Let me throw another kink in the saddle! What is the tipping rule for a drop camp where you only are dealing with a bush pilot, and are supplying your own camp gear, food, and loading, and unloading the plane, yourself? All he is doing is, flying you out fifty miles, dropping you off, and flying you back after ten days?

Paul, four of us have been doing this every year, for about 20 years, starting with a float trip down the Mulchatna River, from Half Cabin Lake to Nicks landing under Overlook Mountain. We have our own inflatables, and complete camps, and simply contract with a bush pilot for transport to and from a lake in the tundra. In most cases we not only do all the work of loading, and unloading the plane, but I even do most of the flying when we use a friend's bush plane, so he can rest, and eat all our snacks, while we fly!



We have never tipped,but we spend an average of $1800 each on the flying,and license. With $4000 minimum going to the bush pilot, depending on the plane used, devided between the four of us! This is for two hours out, and back, going in, and 4 hours each way coming out, because it usually takes two trips to get us out with our meat, and horns!



I was just wondering if we were coming off as cheap to the bush pilot, but I don't think tipping, in this case, is indicated!

MAC,
Sounds like he should be tipping you! Don't give him anything except a hand shake and a "thank you, see you next year".

As a full time guide for the past thirty years who has also hunted widely all over the globe my answer to your tipping question is simple - it depends. How hard did the guide work? do you work that hard? Or as long? Did you have a good trip? Did you get game? Remember you are the hunter - If you shot it - it's yours - you pulled the trigger- he is just guiding you.
Every year I have more and more hunters who think the 10 to 15% tip given to waiters should be given to a guide who is on duty 24 hours a day in all weather and upon who your life may depend. It's your decision but a few hundred dollars should be minimum.