Silly prices for bucks! Thoughts ?

[sikamalc]

Bogtrotter,

Not wishing to go off thread, but the mention of tips was to show that even on some estates there are stalkers who expect a tip of £50 for every animal they get a client onto. This practice is prevelent in an area north of Inverness, where I have held leases and stalked for over 25 years.

Over the last 10 years it appears to have become expected, and I know of 4 estates where it is the norm. One of which also included the head keeper asking for a fee for using his rifle by clients. This no longer applies as the keeper in question no longer works on the estate.

I agree that tips are a personal thing between the stalker/guide and the client. Most clients do tip in one way or another, and if the stalker has given the client a good day and worked hard, which most do, they should get a reasonable tip.

I would add the JAYB is probably also aware of the estates I have mentioned


ATB

Sikamalc

 

[pheasant sniper 1]

Its 60 pounds were i am for a buck and thats it end of story. Most of the chaps i have contacted down south were the same price but if you connect then the price gose through the roof. I am sure some come for other reasons but most come to shoot deer. I am sure if they have pais 120 + for fuel and then 60 pounds for a stalk it would suggest to me that to stalk in there own areas would be more expencive than that.

Choc ...

Firstly you call Jan Andrews , Dan... Then you get her sons name wrong and go on to say what a fine chap he is..

This suggests to me youve had a quick look on the internet to come up with your statement that all stalking down south is expensive or atleast with the English as you put it.

Its not for me to name the names of people down my neck of the woods that are happy to charge £60 an outing but trust me there are plenty.,.

If they want to advertise their stalking and their fees that is their business not mine to do so..

Ive travelled all over this country spending an absolute fortune on fuel to join like minded folk that in a lot of cases have become good friends..

Because i am happy to travel and experience varied types of stalking with good friends does not mean stalking in my area is more expensive, just that i dont worry about making an imature statement and then an even more ridiculous one calkling it patriotism..

 

[jamross65]

I have been reading this thread with interest. These are just some observations of my own.

Firstly, there has been mention of additional costs involved, fuel, accommodation etc taking the sport beyond the reach of some people. These often considerable costs to the person offering the stalking are also required in fuel alone to get the client to, around and from the area being visited. Clients are not just paying for the sport, there is a wage to consider that may cover several hours of sport. If the 'estate' rifle is used technically is that not a hire of equipment? If so and a test of the clients ability is needed, several rounds at £2 a round (current factory ammo costs in my area) are shot off at a target. I don't know anywhere that charges these as an extra. Therefore, the £60-£100 charged by some people does not seem that bad. In my area I have a friend who charges £50 for the stalk and £50 per buck shot, regardless of quality. I don't think that is unreasonable considering what I have to pay for salmon fishing regardless of the state of the river and whether or not I catch anything! For the record his client last week shot an estimated bronze/silver. That quality of buck is not uncommon. I also have a friend in Fife who looks after about 20,000acres. His collection of medal heads has to be seen to be believed. Most are generally old, past there best or with other better beasts at the time of being shot. He 'manages' his land. He has however, lost ground to the big money offers but unsurprisingly, the ground often comes back when the landowners realise the management goes out the window when this type of agent is involved. Finally, tips. Are they not considered appropriate when it is felt that the service provided was above and beyond what would have been expected in the course of that persons routine employment? If they are stalkers they have to provide a beast for shooting, nothing more. If a gillie on a river they have to show someone the beat. However, we all know how some individuals can make the day so much more than simply just a days sport and they are the ones who are deserved of the 'tip'.