For those of you that have been on a guided hunt, what do you think is an appropriate tip? I've been on some big game hunts, and it seems that there's a world of difference. Thanks for the input.
I've been on a few outfitted turkey hunts and usually tip between $100-$150.
Assuming you're satisfied with the guide's effort, lodging, etc...
A lot depends on the guide. Someone who works hard deserves to be taken care of whether or not the hunter gets a turkey. Lots of times they are at the outfitter's mercy with regards to where they are allowed to take a hunter, whether they hunt with them or just put them in a blind, etc. That said $100-150 is probably a good starting place and then it's up to the hunter to decide what's appropriate.
I guide full time here in Maryland. Tipping for turkey hunting is a far cry from tipping for big game. I pride myself in giving 150% for each client. I had an extremely successful guiding season this year. That said I normally get anywhere from $30 - $100 tip from clients whether they get a bird or not. Interestingly, I've been stiffed twice in the last 5 years by guys that killed their first long beards. I think some are just ignorant and don't know that its customary to tip. They may never have been on a guided hunt. Some repeat clients are quite generous and bring me gifts like gobbler loungers, custom calls, home made edibles and a couple thousand rounds of ammo. After 52 years of turkey hunting, providing good gobbler hunting experiences is too much fun to worry about a tip.