gratuities?

[madmurph]

Mr 16 gauge, on my 10 day hunt I harvested 11 animals (plains game).

I gave my PH $500. I had one tracker/skinner who was with us the entire trip. I gave him $100, my Bino System binocular shoulder strap (as he carried his binoculars in hand) and many of my camo hunting clothes that were in near new condition. The tracker/skinner was tickled pink as though I had bought him a new house.

On the farms that I hunted, the property owner had one of his "staff" accompany us. Most of them were useless for the most part other than knowing the property. I did not tip any of them other than one on the farm that I shot my zebra on. He worked extremely hard. I gave him 100 rand (my PH suggested I only give him 50 rand), which at the time was equivalent to $15 U.S. Although I thought this to be a very small tip, he also was extremely happy and could not thank me enough.

I also tipped the cook/cleaning lady at one of the places where I spent several days. (I stayed at three different ranches.) I don't remember what I gave her, but it was not a large amount.

I talked with several people before my trip. Of the people that I talked with, my tips were more than most. One told me that he did not give any tips. I would have liked to tip my PH more, as he did a wonderful job, but I do work for a living and had to save and budget for my trip. I did make a lasting friendship with him however, and I was able to express my gratitude more by having him as a guest at my house for a week here in the States.

I hope this info helped a bit.