My buddy and I usually travel together and we always tip. We usually do 10% on average fully guided hunts, as the cost is usually higher and that's a pretty good tip. We tip the guide too, but we have no idea what he's getting paid, so we kind of just use $100.00 as a standard for a 3-5 day hunt. However, if the guide goes wayyy over board we take care of him/her pretty well. We booked an Osceola hunt in 2012 and tagged out in two days. The outfitter said his guide was done for the week and was free. After we found out he was only getting paid for one day with us (we went out the evening before our hunt, off the books and tagged a bird each) we asked him if he wanted to entertain us for a couple days. This young man took us hog hunting, swamping and spent daylight to dark with us and we had a ball. He about fell over when we handed him $300.00. His outfitter had told him there would be no extra pay from him. Yeah, I wouldn't work for that guy and no I'm not giving a name.
Since he's doing extra Here's a thought, on the first evening offer to take him out to a really nice dinner or buy some steaks to grill. Buy a gas card at a station for say $100.00 and give him too. Then see how the hunt goes and tip afterward accordingly. On the lodging since he offered it's his choice and kindness to help build a clientele, but still kindness in return is nice so stick %50 of your motel cost in an envelope and hand it to him at the end of the stay. If the trip is a cluster, then forget it and get out of dodge. I believe you pay for what you get, and free is not an excuse for less.
On his part, don't offer unless your doing your best. I have hunters come and hunt on me and I used to have lodging I would offer for free to those I trusted. We always treat them just like family. I expect nothing but a civil stay and clean up after themselves. With that said, it always makes me feel like they appreciate it when they hand me something at the end. I never expect anything like full cost of a motel, but it's usually in the range of 25-50% of that cost.
