Hut rentals pricing per person?

[Disco]

How about a different perspective. What we buy but wouldn’t need it we only used a hut operator.

Used sled $3000.00 for a decent sled.
Thermal 2 man hut $800-$1000.00 with tax
Terminal tackle $200.00
Rods and reels decent quality say 4 set ups with line. $300.00-$400.00
Heater/food prep. $200.00.
Fuel for machine and insurance per year $300.00 or more depending on how much you go.
Propane for the heater $100.00-$200.00. Again more if you go more.
Auger. Manual $75.00 gas/electric set up. $400.00

Say $5500.00 ish for this set up not including a fish finder and batteries because I would use these with an operator or on my own.

Also doesn’t include repairs on equipment or replacement of items.

So at $70.00 a trip I could go 78.5 times for the same money. Over ten years I could go close to 8 times a year and never replace a sled or hut etc.

For what the hut operators do $70.00 a person is more than reasonable. I do believe however that their should be a maximum for a whole hunt rental. If I wanted to bring me and my wife and three kids I would hope I could rent a hole hut for $250.00.

[Jstubbs]

That is all true and I agree, but some of those prices are a bit inflated IMO.

For an ice fishing sled I found a great deal on a 440 fan cooled safari for 500 bucks, just needed a pull cord and carb cleaning she runs like a champ.

You can easily find huts even 3 man huts for way less than 800 bucks. Here's the one I have (not insulated mind you) for $250:

https://www.amazon.ca/Frabill-200-Hub-Shelt...384553119&psc=1

Or you can hunt for a used one for like 100 bucks - build yourself an ice sled with a little bit of elbow grease (mine was built for almost nothing with skid wood, free skis and a few bucks for the hinges and screws etc.

Little buddy heater 50-80 bucks depending if its used or new or on sale etc. Auger 75ish.

Just saying depending on the effort put in etc. it could be done for A LOT less than 5-6 grand - I know because I pulled it off this year.

Either way like many have said it's a service if you want the service you will pay if not stay home!! lol

I'd way rather have my own gear and be able to move around etc but then again you have to trailer it to the launch which wasn't included in your original pricing anyways so add $500 bucks at least for a decent trailer to haul said machine there, usually more like $1000 plus.

Plus the dreaded repairs you made, plus maintenance on trailer and sled etc - it all adds up!

Regardless, it's not an easy gig and a lot of work so they can charge whatever they want! lol

[hammerincameron]

Sometimes it's nice to just show up and fish.

[Elk hunter]

I think the target market for hut operators isn't the people that use forums like this one. I think they more so target the people/ families who aren't the die hard fishermen/fisherwomen that want to try ice fishing but don't want to buy all the gear needed. Obviously, hut operators will advertise on sites like this to pick up other customers that are diehards but, the people who are looking for hut operators will find this site and check out the sponsors and these are the people they are targeting. So I think this target market is willing to pay more for a hut rental then the people using forums like this. IMO

Also "all inclusive" could mean a lot of different things to different people.

Some might say transportation, heat and minnows is "all inclusive".

I've used a lot of different hut operators not only on Simcoe, but all of Ontario and even the Midwest.

Ive spent $100-$125 for one day rental that was "all inclusive" which consisted of transportation, all gear/bait (electronics included), lunch, and filleting of fish caught. To me this is "all inclusive"

Don't get me wrong I fish a lot with my own gear too, but sometimes it is just nice to show up and fish. To each their own

[Jstubbs]

Agreed.

[sabmgb]

I read this thread and was going to break things down, but DISCO did it for me. Huts aren't for everyone, neither are boats in the summer. If a person only gets to go a few times a year, then hut, boat, or guided hunt are the way to go as it is a lot cheaper. I go out to many times in my opinion to do rentals, so I have bought a quad, a boat, and lots of hunting equipment. Who pays more per lb, I be I do, 30K for boat, 12K for quad, who knows how much on hunting gear. Now add maintenance. Way cheaper to stay home and buy at store.

Operators have a tough job, and I'd support them if I didn't have all the gear.

[Longshank]

Let's just say this .

It is a great option to have for those that have the equipment and those that do not,

The more choices, the better