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Southern Trapper Six Questions: In the treasure hunting world we know the prize is only part of the journey. Magic often happens in the chase. In the research, the road trips, the theories shared, the time spent with family and friends, and the moments when a clue suddenly clicks. A buried treasure may anchor the legend, but it’s the experience that builds the memory.
With the Southern Trapper Treasure Hunt a $20,000 treasure lies beneath the sand. We wanted to look beyond the finish line. What kind of adventure is this hunt meant to spark? And when the sand settles, with only one person walking away with the chest, what will everyone else carry with them? Let’s learn more!
Six Questions with Captain Bligh:
- 1Q) Congrats on creating a treasure hunt! I know many are enjoying the Thrill of the Chase. Have you personally participated in other treasure hunts before designing this one?
When I was 6 years old my father handed me a hand drawn map of our local neighborhood park with an X marks the spot under the playground. My sister and I ran as quickly as we could to find the treasure, ultimately finding a barbie doll and a toy gun. He passed away a few years later and this is one of the few memories that I can vividly recall of him.
If so, what did you learn as a searcher that influenced how you built this hunt? What advice do you have for searchers just getting started? – Just do it. Have some fun. Chase something that makes you happy.
- 2Q) Who is “Capt. Bligh” in the world of this hunt? Is he purely legend, or is there a deeper backstory? Did you design this hunt from the perspective of a storyteller first — or a puzzle maker?
I was named after Captain William Bligh of the Bounty. My father was a captain of a fleet of passenger ships in Chicago and I always wanted to follow in his shoes. I now live in Charleston SC, surrounded by water and incredible fishing. Like my father, I captain a small fishing boat.
- 3Q) Why pistols? What’s the story behind the two silver-inlaid firearms? You say they were forged for a pirate king — is this fictional lore, historical inspiration, or a mix of both?
I am fascinated with weapons, I have an enormous collection and build them myself. When I came across a pair of 1700 blunderbuss pistols, it took me back to the treasure hunt my father surprised me with. I bought them on the spot and over the next few weeks I found myself constantly thinking about the blunderbuss pistols and how my dad would have buried them and left a map with clues.
Eventually I commissioned a wooden pirate chest to be made and begged my close friend, Cornelius Peg Leg of Amici Gold to make them into something a pirate would have cherished.
- 4Q) Is this solvable entirely from home before someone travels, or does boots on the ground exploration play a major role? Is the treasure location accessible 24/7?
The audio clues and visual clues will get you to the right spot, but you’ll need a metal detector to find them. The treasure is accessible 24/7.
- 5Q) Do you see this as a one-time legend or the start of something bigger? Are you planning any other hunts?
I am just getting started, you will see more treasure hunts from Captain Bligh in the future.
- 6Q) What do you hope searchers experience as they follow the trail of this hunt? And even if they aren’t the one to uncover the chest, what do you hope they walk away with?
The thought of finding a treasure chest filled with silver, diamonds, pearls, and rubies is part of everyone’s past. This hunt is meant to bring you back to your childhood, explore new places, chase something thrilling, and make memories with the ones you love while you do it.
