Badge of the Galician Hunting Society.
The Galician Hunting Society was one of the most important and distinguished hunting organizations operating in the Polish lands during the partitions. Following the approval of its statutes by the Imperial-Royal Governorate, it officially commenced its activities in Lviv on 15 March 1876, on the initiative of the eminent naturalist and patron of hunting, Count Włodzimierz Dzieduszycki. The Society was established in response to the growing crisis in game management in Galicia, widespread poaching, and the lack of effective wildlife protection. Its activities played a key role in shaping the modern, ethical model of Polish hunting.
The Society's mission extended far beyond the organization of hunts. Its stated objectives were to "bring order to hunting anarchy, correct erroneous views, instill respect for the law, promote a noble understanding of hunting, cultivate ethical principles, and eradicate superstition and prejudice." The Galician Hunting Society became a model for numerous hunting organizations established throughout Galicia, uniting the hunting community while promoting modern principles of wildlife conservation and rational game management.
The Society published its own periodical, "Łowiec", carried out educational activities, reviewed hunting legislation, and actively participated in shaping the legal foundations of wildlife protection in Galicia. Following the outbreak of the First World War, it was dissolved by the Russian authorities in 1914, but was re-established on 1 November 1918 as the Lesser Poland Hunting Society, continuing its traditions in independent Poland.
The present badge is one of the best-known symbols of the Galician Hunting Society. It depicts the head of a stag with a halo and cross—an allusion to the legend of Saint Hubert, the patron saint of hunters—above the coat of arms of Galicia featuring three crowns and a jackdaw, with a scroll below inscribed "Galicyjskie Towarzystwo Łowieckie" ("Galician Hunting Society"). The rich symbolism of the badge emphasizes both the Christian roots of European hunting traditions and the regional identity of the organization, which played a fundamental role in the development of Polish hunting culture.
Pin-back fastening.
Badge from the Collection of Lech Kokociński, Honorary President of the Polish Numismatic Society.
Dimensions 55 × 52 mm
