International Order of St. Hubertus

The International Order of Saint Hubertus is a worldwide organization and knightly order of hunters and wildlife conservationists that promotes traditional hunting ethics and practices. The Order was founded in 1695 by Count Franz Anton von Sporck, who brought together noble hunters from Austria, Bohemia, and other countries throughout the Habsburg Empire. The Order was named in honor of Saint Hubertus, the patron saint of hunters and fishermen. The Order's motto is Deum Diligite Animalia Diligentes, "Honoring God by Honoring His Creatures". As of 2011, the male-only Order has 250 members in the United States and 600 members worldwide. In 1966, the United States chapter was launched at the Bohemian Club in San Francisco.

According to the organization's American website, the purpose of the Order is to "promote sportsmanlike conduct in hunting and fishing, foster good fellowship among sportsmen from all over the world", "teach and preserve sound traditional hunting and fishing customs", "encourage wildlife conservation and to help protect endangered species from extinction", "promote the concept of hunting and fishing as an intangible cultural heritage of humanity", "endeavor to ensure that the economic benefits derived from sports hunting and fishing support the regions where these activities are carried out", and "strive to enhance respect for responsible hunters and fishermen".

The Venerable Order of Saint Hubertus was founded in 1695 by Count Franz Anton von Sporck, who brought together noble hunters from Austria, Bohemia, and other countries throughout the Habsburg Empire. The Order included among its original members Holy Roman Emperor Charles VI and other noble families of the Holy Roman Empire. The Order was named in honor of Saint Hubertus, the patron saint of hunters and fishermen.

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