For an Elk guide, there is a recommendation that you tip around 10%. We use a different method when using a guide through an outfitter. We pay $4,200 to the outfitter for a five day, all meals, horses and guide. Two hunters with one guide. If we do not harvest an Elk and the guide has done a good job, we tip $300. If we harvest a single Elk we tip $400 and if the guide puts us on both a cow and bull, we tip $500. The outfitter has told us that her guides love that method and actually draw straws to see who gets to guide our group. Most of our friends that use guides tell me that they also tip in 10% range using the outfitter cost as a base. Also, we tip the packer if they clean and pack in the kill. We typically give $100 for each elk brought in. We also tip the cook around $50 a week.
Remember, guides usually do not get paid very much and rely on tips.
Hope this helps.
