St. Hubert, the patron saint of hunters, is honored among sport hunters as one of the first to promote ethical hunting practices. The son of a duke, Hubert was born in southern France around the year 656. Charming and well-spoken, Hubert advanced easily in the royal court. Hubert married Floribanne, the daughter of a count, and shared a love for hunting with other noblemen of his time.

When Floribanne died in childbirth, however, Hubert was overcome with grief. He retreated into the forest and devoted himself incessantly to hunting. The sport served to distract Hubert from the pain of loss, but God had other plans. He wanted Hubert to turn to him for consolation instead.

Legend holds that Hubert was pursuing a stag on the morning of Good Friday when he had a vision of a crucifix between the stag’s antlers. A voice spoke to him, saying, “Hubert, unless you turn to the Lord and lead a holy life, you shall quickly go down to hell!” Falling prostrate before the stag, Hubert asked, “Lord, what would you have me do?” “Go and find Lambert,” the voice replied, “and he will instruct you.”

Hubert immediately set out to find the bishop of Maastricht, Lambert, who became his spiritual director. Hubert’s spiritual conversion prompted him to renounce all his wealth and honors, and he even gave up his birthright to his brother. He was ordained a priest, and eventually succeeded Lambert as bishop. Hubert devoted himself to prayer, penance and almsgiving, and became a renowned preacher. God used Hubert’s skills as an outdoorsman for evangelization in the Ardennes Forest; this led him to win the trust and conversion of many pagans.

St. Hubert is celebrated among hunting and cultural associations in France, Germany, Great Britain and the United States.