OUR HISTORY
In 1975, within the framework of the international cultural relations, the "Union St. Hubert, a Belgian hunters association and editor of "Chasse, Pêche, Environnement” (Hunting, Fishing, Environment), met with a French regional brotherhood "Les Compagnons de St. Hubert du Val de Loire " established since 1966 in Tours, which held its Annual Chapter in Mont Louis-sur-Loire. The goals of the Brotherhood were, improving Hunting practises and the recognition of the quality of the hunter of the Loire Valley, but also the establishment of fraternal relations among their members.
On September 4, 1976, at the invitation of the "Union St. Hubert, the "Companions of St. Hubert of the Loire Valley" visited the city of St. Hubert in Belgium to attend the "International Days of Hunting" and to hold an Extraordinary Chapter. On this occasion, friendly relations between French and Belgian hunters were born.
In 1979 a Belgian internationally-oriented independent cell was formed by a first group of Belgian, French and German hunters, giving birth to the Confrérie Internationale "LES COMPAGNONS DE SAINT-HUBERT". The Code of Honour was written and the attributes of the Compagnons, - the Medal, the sandstone cartridge and Knight’s Certificate of the Compagnons de Saint-Hubert were created. The aims and goals of the Brotherhood allow hunters of all nationalities to meet, especially during the annual Chapters, and adhere in a solemn engagement, in the spirit of brotherhood, mutual assistance, friendship and peace, by practicing ethical and sustainable hunting in accordance with the Code of Honour.
On November 2, 1980, the first Induction Chapter was organised by the eight first dignitaries of the time. The first Belgians, French and Germans will soon be joined by Dutch, Danes, Norwegians, Swedes and Canadians. It was then decided to set up the statutes and to officially establish the association.
On March 24, 1985, the General Assembly held in St. Hubert, approved the statutes and the Brotherhood was formed now becoming asbl Confrérie Internationale "LES COMPAGNONS DE SAINT-HUBERT". In coordination with the civil and religious authorities, the headquarters were established at the House of Tourism and Tourist Office of Saint-Hubert, which was named the same year "European Capital of Hunting and Nature".
Today, the Brotherhood counts more than 1100 members and is represented in most European countries, such as Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, Denmark, Finland, France, Great Brittain, Hungary, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Norway, Russia, Scotland, Spain, Sweden . . . .