Gifts for camp staff, trackers

The camp staff I just tipped cash, although another hunter in camp brought a bunch of T shirts and they were a huge hit.

For everyone in the truck each morning I brought a large box of rice crispy treats and chocolate granola bars, handing them out each morning started everyone off with a smile.

A half dozen soccer balls was a huge hit at the local school, just make sure and bring some of the inflation needles; had a couple of extra I gave to the trackers with kids and they were happy as can be.

Even though it was hot during the day, I was surprised to see the locals and staff alike wearing toboggan hats with the puff ball on top.... seamed to be a style thing, I'll bring some next time I go.
 
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I haven't taken anything specific to pass out as gifts. I think that there's something to spontaneity. On two occasions I have given my Els Somerset cartridge pouch at the end of my hunt; one in 2022 to my PH for his double rifle and one in 2024 to my friend and PH AK Ifny for his 458WM (Photo). I think that if you give a gift it should be something of a personal nature, in these cases the pouches were new and what I used; and something useful to the receiver.

IMG-20250531-WA0001.jpg
 
The only "gift" I brought last time was candy for whomever seemed to want it.


I brought plenty of cash for tips at the end of the trip.





After I was home, I mailed a box of stuff to one of the PH's in camp with instructions on how thing were to be distributed, after I saw what was needed, and who could benefit from what.
 
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The store in Schweizer-Reneke where I purchased some clothes has quality winter clothing cheaper than same like items are here in the states.

What second hand stores and street vendors I saw don’t have the winter clothing I'm refering to.

We are talking about two different types of weight clothing. I'm talking about mid Winter clothing not late fall / early spring Cool weather clothing.

Not $5USD second hand. More like $20USD to $30USD or R340 to R450 new similar to a Carhart lined/ insulated coat with hood, fleece gloves, and lined water resistant leather gloves, fleece balaclava; not ball caps and cheap toboggans.

As for Goodwill stores, just that stores, employees ar9le known to pick through donated items taking what they want before pricing the donated items to resale. At least the Salvation Army is more noted to giving donated items to those in distress.
 
Mark Biggerstaff said:
What I have learned is pack lighter and forget the gifts. I take plenty candy for the truck and hunt. Cash tip more instead of spending on gifts that will be sold. Cash is more important to camp staff
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what are some popular candies you take
 
We always take some hard candy that’s individual wrapped. Jolly Ranchers and Lifesavers work well and they won’t melt in their pockets (usually).

Other than that, we brought some knife sharpeners for the skinning shed. Typically they have the knives they need, but getting them sharp is the key.

Tipped each skinner in cash for each animal. Cash is KING!
 
STARCHEDUPDAD said:
what are some popular candies you take
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I have found hard candy, Jolly Ranchers assorted. But most of all is chocolate candy the trackers like.
I carry usually 4-5 bags of Snickers minis the largest size bags i can find.
They have never melted in my checked bag, I pack them inside 2gallon zip locs. They are always a big hit with the guys in camp, give them a couple each morning and then pack some on the truck for when we take a break and everyone gets one or two
 
If passing out candy you have to keep in mind the dental health of the trackers and others.

On our way back to the lodge on my last hunt I handed my tracker a Snickers bar and my PH mentioned about his bad teeth, we swapped it out for a Twix.
 
$$ is the best option rather than gifts....apart from the tip.
 
On recent Cape Buffalo hunt, PH suggested i bring clothes for trackers(in addition to their tip and all staff tips).
Bought assortment of quality clothing at thrift stores.
Guys were beyond thrilled.
PH said no way they would ever sell or trade those clothes.
1000029933.jpg
 
autofire said:
On recent Cape Buffalo hunt, PH suggested i bring clothes for trackers(in addition to their tip and all staff tips).
Bought assortment of quality clothing at thrift stores.
Guys were beyond thrilled.
PH said no way they would ever sell or trade those clothes.View attachment 712695
Click to expand...
FYI - No one will deliver news like that to the client…EVER! In the meantime, they will do as they wish with the clothes.

Just like having a rifle with a brake…they will always say it’s not a problem. Even though it is.
 
BeeMaa said:
FYI - No one will deliver news like that to the client…EVER! In the meantime, they will do as they wish with the clothes.

Just like having a rifle with a brake…they will always say it’s not a problem. Even though it is.
Click to expand...
Thank you for your reply. Both I and the PH's appreciate you calling me/them a liar. Bob
 
BeeMaa said:
FYI - No one will deliver news like that to the client…EVER! In the meantime, they will do as they wish with the clothes.

Just like having a rifle with a brake…they will always say it’s not a problem. Even though it is.
Click to expand...
I’ve generally seen trackers and camp staff keep most useful clothes they are given. Hoodies, light jackets, T shirts, hats. I’ve never seen a knife on a return trip though.
 
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