From 884 to 1909, during royal hunts, grand dukes and duchesses killed 638,830 animals and birds. This data is found in "Journal of Imperial Hunting No. 9," compiled by the hunter Vladimir Romanovich Dits. Royal hunting was an important part of noble life, and a large staff of assistants existed at the court of the Russian emperor for its organization, as well as the Imperial Hunting Department of the Ministry of the Imperial Court. Nicholas II, depicted in the photo with a trophy, a mighty stag, had been passionate about hunting since childhood. He hunted bears, moose, wild boars, ermines, martens, and other wildlife, but especially valued the challenging hunt for bison, which could last several days. In 1900, the emperor hunted 41 animals (a total of 104), most of which were in the Bialowieza Forest.