This article marks the first in a new series profiling CIC NGO Members. These organisations play a vital role in advancing sustainable use, promoting conservation and ensuring that wildlife continues to thrive in the landscapes where people live, work and hunt.
Honour, Heritage and Conservation
The International Order of Saint Hubertus (IOSH) is one of the world’s most historic hunting orders. Founded in 1695 by Count Franz Anton von Sporck in Bohemia, the Order was created to honour the legacy of Saint Hubert, patron saint of hunters, and to promote ethical hunting, respect for nature, and responsible wildlife stewardship.
Restored in Austria after the Second World War with support from U.S. Ambassador Llewellyn Thompson, General Mark W. Clark, and others, the Order has grown into an international community of conservation-minded sportsmen. Since 2022, IOSH has been a valued NGO Member of the CIC.
The Order is currently led by His Imperial and Royal Highness István von Habsburg-Lothringen, Archduke of Austria and Royal Prince of Hungary. As Grand Master, he invites individuals of high ethical standing and a deep commitment to conservation to join the Order’s mission.
A Legacy Grounded in Ethics and Faith
At the heart of the Order lies the legend of Saint Hubert. According to tradition, Hubert experienced a profound transformation after encountering a stag bearing a glowing cross between its antlers. Inspired by this vision, he gave up his worldly pursuits and devoted his life to service and piety.
The Order’s motto, Deum Diligite Animalia Diligentes (“Honour God by Honouring His Creatures”), captures the enduring link between spirituality, nature and responsibility. Each year on 3 November, IOSH members mark the Feast Day of Saint Hubert with ceremonies, gatherings and traditional hunts.
Conservation Through Personal Action
IOSH members are active in conservation through individual commitment rather than centralised programmes. Between 2010 and 2015, members donated over 100 million US dollars in financial and in-kind contributions and protected more than 200,000 acres of habitat through easements and restoration work.
The Order’s impact also extends into the field. In Kenya, IOSH pilots have provided vital support to the Kenya Wildlife Service by training rangers, flying patrols and supplying critical equipment for anti-poaching operations in remote areas.
“Our Order’s strength lies in the responsibility of its members,” said Archduke István von Habsburg-Lothringen. “We are bound not just by tradition, but by action. It is this commitment to stewardship that defines us in the modern world.”
A Natural Partner in the CIC Network
As an NGO Member of the CIC, IOSH embodies the principle that hunting traditions, when rooted in ethics and responsibility, can contribute meaningfully to biodiversity conservation. Its global reach, longstanding heritage and personal approach to conservation make it a unique and valued part of the CIC community.
For more information, visit the IOSH website: www.iosh-usa.com
Media Contact:
Tristan Breijer MBA FRGS FRSA MCIJ
Director of Communications and Public Affairs
CIC – International Council for Game and Wildlife Conservation
Email: tristan.breijer@cic-wildlife.org
Mobile: +44 781 408 7423
Website: www.cic-wildlife.org
