The Novi Bečej Hunting Society was officially founded on October 1, 1885, at the inaugural Assembly, where the first Statute of the society was adopted. Evidence of its establishment is preserved in the archive in Budapest (document number 57965/111) dated December 6, 1887.
All decisions from the Assembly, including the implementation of the Statute and the potential cessation of the society’s work, were submitted to the Hungarian Royal Ministry of Agriculture, Industry, and Trade for review. The letter was signed by the society’s president, Urban Ivan. On December 6, 1887, the Ministry issued a positive opinion approving the society’s Statute and authorizing its activities in accordance with the rules adopted at the founding Assembly. The letter was signed by Bede Albert, State Chief Forester and ministerial advisor.
Society Objectives
- Lease hunting grounds in Novi Bečej and surrounding areas.
- Protect useful game species from extinction and introduce suitable game species.
- Eliminate harmful animals and predators.
- Prevent poaching and develop hunting awareness and ethics among members.
Membership
- Membership is open to residents of Novi Bečej and neighboring settlements.
- New members are admitted based on the recommendation of an existing member and by paying a hunting card fee (12 forints).
- Members have the right to vote, be elected, propose candidates for the society’s bodies, and participate in decisions.
Member Responsibilities
- Payment of the annual membership fee in two installments.
- Compliance with the Statute and Assembly decisions.
- Maintaining records of hunted game and reporting any poaching incidents.
Termination and Exclusion
Membership may end due to:
- Voluntary resignation due to illness,
- Death of a member,
- Exclusion for criminal conviction, violation of the Hunting Law, or a written petition by 10 Assembly members.
Exclusion decisions require a two-thirds majority of members.
Governing Bodies
- Assembly: meets twice a year (March and September); extraordinary sessions can be convened at the request of 5 members.
- Board: president, vice president, secretary, and treasurer, elected for a one-year term.
Board Duties
- President: represents the society, proposes protective measures, supervises finances, organizes hunts, reports annually, and implements Assembly decisions.
- Vice President: acts in the president’s absence.
- Secretary: handles administrative duties, records minutes, manages lease contracts and hunting grounds.
- Treasurer: manages membership fees and finances, prepares the final accounts for the Assembly.
Hunting and Game Protection
- Hunting with hounds is prohibited except in designated cases.
- Hunting is conducted according to law, Assembly regulations, and seasonal restrictions on certain game species.
Cessation of Society Activities
- The Assembly decides on the disposition of assets in case of cessation.
- Disputes among members are resolved by the Novi Bečej Royal District Court.
- Any Statute changes are reported to the royal ministry; violations may result in suspension of society activities.
Novi Bečej, October 1, 1885
President of the Novi Bečej Hunting Society: Urban Ivan
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