Mike

I have heard of PHs being tipped double rifles being left for them for DG hunts and blokes that tip 10% to the PH, 10% to staff and a lot more.

But in my opinion tips are always extras. I know there are standards that a lot of people work on for tipping and if you feel the safari was really good and everyone worked hard I would stick to these standards as a maximum. Yes the millionaires can throw their money around and then brag and the staff will love it but big deal.

A lot of Americans believe 10% of the daily rates is the "standard" for the total gift.

Personally my intention is to take physical gifts next time especially for the PH and cheaper stuff for the staff - T-shirts, hats etc with the NitroExpress.com logo on them

. (Probably cost me more than it I 'tipped' them in cash too

). I would tip some cash to the staff, hell they get paid next to nothing sometimes. Also PH's who are salaried don't really make much and appreciate it.

Owner outfitters can and do make good profits. I can't holiday in Europe or USA every year so a simple gift is what I would do here.

I don't think the remuneration of staff should ever be dependent on the tip. Ever.

My tipping attitude is heavily influenced by custom in Australia where tipping basically is not done. The Aussie unions removed that inequitable remuneration arrangement way back in the 1920's and 1930's so most Aussies really dislike the practice. And I have never heard fof Australian's getting lesser service or hunts as a result, perhaps the opposite as they generally are keen and get into it.

As to how to distribute it, my strong preference is to give it directly to the people and thank them with a handshake in person as well as the gift. I have had a bad experience where the one given the "tip" pocketed the lot. Not a hunting safari but game viewing. So we scrounged out an equivalent lot and distributed it among the other 5 staff who were up to then very sad looking

but cheered up. The headman was a greedy fucker.

But I have given it to the camp manager to distribute and to the staff directly. If giving it directly causes problem, that's the outfitters problem for encouraging tips. A gift is a gift so I decide how I give it out!

Generally I give the trackers and chef twice what I would give to cleaners, laundry men etc. The cook or chef too and if the skinner is really good, here too. If there is a lot of staff (whom you may never see - milk boys, gardeners etc) one lump sum for the "rest" often is the best and the outfitter can give it out.

Don't give skinners good knives as they sharpen them on stones and concrete. A simple ordinary one would do.

I probably don't make friends with outfitters with this sort of views but no one is going to turn down a booking because of it and it isn't being stingey.

Hell last year I even sent a cash gift several months after for the staff of a place in Zimbabwe where the hunt was interrupted becasue of warvets throwing us off. I was originally worried they would starve with no incomes! But as far as I know they are back on and working again.