Tips on DIY Trips?

[csmcclain]

Tipping is customary on guided hunts, so I doubt that needs to be discussed anymore. What are tipping expectations on unguided/drop camps? We are considering two options in Alaska in 2028:

Option 1.) Boat-based (transporter) hunt for ducks, deer, and fishing: we would plan to tip in line with a guided hunt for this, as they are cooking, cleaning, transporting, and basically doing everything
Option 2.) DIY airboat trip for caribou. They drop you off and pick you up a week later. Are you supposed to tip the airboat operator on this or is that not customary? They are not providing anything for the camp, just a ride up the river to a designated spot.

Curious for input here

 

[Flipper Dude]

1. Yes

2. No. I don’t tip pilots either

 

[Altitude sickness]

Yes tipping anyone that’s directly involved is expected. Of course less than a guide babysitting you for a week. But a packer or bush pilot still expect a tip. They work hard for their money.

Also there are times when a decision has to be made which camps get picked up first and if you’re the cheapskate guess who’s not getting picked up first.

Might seem like a small detail, but if there’s a storm coming, or lakes are freezing up early and it’s a difference between getting picked up today and or getting picked up five days later after the storm clears and you’re out of food. it’s a big deal.

 

[Adam Stevens]

1. Yes

2. No. I don’t tip pilots either

Same thought. First one they are doing everything for you supply/service wise.

I'd be hard pressed to tip for someone flying me in and out unless they went out of their way for service or helping me out. Accommodating me in some way

 

[Altitude sickness]

The pilot loads your gear on departure. He loads your meat onto the plane. He unloads your meat back in town and has it taken care of. Because you’re normally still in the bush. Either still hunting. Or due to weight he takes multiple trips. They don’t just fly the plane.

 

[Flipper Dude]

I see your point in that instance. I usually got a bag and a rifle. That’s it.

 

[Betterinthebush]

Yes tipping anyone that’s directly involved is expected. Of course less than a guide babysitting you for a week. But a packer or bush pilot still expect a tip. They work hard for their money.

Also there are times when a decision has to be made which camps get picked up first and if you’re the cheapskate guess who’s not getting picked up first.

Might seem like a small detail, but if there’s a storm coming, or lakes are freezing up early and it’s a difference between getting picked up today and or getting picked up five days later after the storm clears and you’re out of food. it’s a big deal.

Every word.

Not every pilot owns the plane. The pilots work their butts off for their turns. Not taking care of a pilot is poor form and will come back to bite you.