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For fans of faith, family, and the great outdoors, Jase Robertson and the Robertson clan of Duck Dynasty fame are household names. While Duck Dynasty showcased their duck-centric world, Jase’s latest venture, Duck Family Treasure, takes viewers on a different kind of expedition. This time, ducks take a backseat to historical 탐험 as Jase and his crew embark on thrilling treasure hunts across the American landscape.
As a devoted viewer of Duck Dynasty, I was thrilled when Hook & Barrel offered me the opportunity to interview Jase. I caught up with him during a break from filming Duck Family Treasure and recording his popular “Unashamed” podcast to delve into the origins of his treasure hunting passion, the making of the show, and what the future holds for this multifaceted personality. I quickly discovered Jase to be as genuine and approachable as he appears on screen, making our conversation feel like a chat with an old friend.
Born to hunt for treasure! L to R: Jase Robertson, Jep Robertson, and Murry Crowe explore their next location.
What is Duck Family Treasure All About?
Currently airing its third season on Fox Nation, Duck Family Treasure offers audiences a unique blend of reality television and adventure. If you’re unfamiliar with the show – which Jase jokingly calls “the best show nobody’s ever seen” – it follows Jase, his brother Jep Robertson, seasoned treasure hunter Murry Crowe, and sometimes even Uncle Si, as they travel to various locations across the United States. Armed with metal detectors, they seek to unearth hidden historical artifacts and treasures buried beneath our feet. Of course, the Robertson family’s signature humor and heartwarming family dynamics are woven throughout their exciting discoveries.
Jase’s journey into treasure hunting was sparked unexpectedly by a friend of his father, Phil Robertson, the Duck Commander patriarch. Murry Crowe, a long-time friend, was facing a health battle when he inadvertently introduced Jase to the world of metal detecting.
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“Dad’s friend, Murry Crowe, had been diagnosed with cancer,” Jase explained. “He knew that I had acquired an older property south of Monroe and turned it into a bed and breakfast. He started asking about treasure hunting on my property. Honestly, I was clueless about what he was talking about. I just brushed it off, saying, ‘Yeah, maybe someday.’”
“But when I learned about his diagnosis, I wanted to do something to lift his spirits, because Murry is a fantastic guy. I saw him at church and said, ‘You know, you mentioned treasure hunting on my property? What exactly does that entail?’ He explained the hobby of metal detecting to me. I told him, ‘Come on out and search wherever you like. You have my permission.’”
Jase Robertson’s first treasure hunting experience on his property proved to be surprisingly fruitful.
Jase initially intended to simply let Murry enjoy his hobby on the property. However, Murry came prepared with an extra metal detector, inviting Jase to join the hunt.
“That was my first time treasure hunting ever,” Jase recounted. “Murry walked out there and within five minutes unearthed an 1875 silver dime! I was stunned. ‘That was in my yard?!’ I couldn’t believe it. Every time Murry needed a break from chemotherapy, I’d join him, and we’d hunt around my property. We’d laugh, share stories, and find incredible things. It turns out my yard was full of history!”
Jase later shared his newfound hobby on the “Unashamed” podcast. His cousin, Zach Dasher, a producer and key figure in the podcast, recognized the television potential immediately. Zach suggested turning Jase’s treasure hunts into a TV show.
“I thought, ‘Sure, that sounds…thrilling,’ sarcastically. ‘People will definitely watch us wander around looking for buried stuff.’ I dismissed it,” Jase chuckled.
However, fate intervened. On the next podcast episode, Zach was absent, and Jase jokingly brought up Zach’s TV show idea again, mostly to tease his cousin.
“I said, ‘Now Zach wants me to do a treasure hunting show!’” Jase remembered. “I jokingly told our listeners, ‘If you think this is a good idea, and you’d watch a TV show about me treasure hunting, contact Zach,’ and I gave them a way to reach him. Then, I completely forgot about it because podcasts air a few days after recording.”
Shortly after, Jase received a frantic call from Zach. “What have you done?!” Zach exclaimed.
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“Zach said, ‘I just received 72,000 emails about you doing a treasure hunting show!’” Jase laughed. “I was floored. I think I jokingly said if 10,000 people contacted him, I’d consider it. So, truly, that’s how Duck Family Treasure began.”
More Than Just Treasure: Unearthing Memories and Faith
The unscripted nature of Duck Family Treasure is a significant part of its appeal. Jase emphasized the importance of authenticity in making the show both informative and entertaining.
“I was adamant about keeping it real,” Jase explained. “Hollywood often wants to script everything, but I insisted, ‘We’re just going to film what happens. We’ll find places to explore, and let the adventure unfold.’ We even reached out to our podcast fans for location suggestions.”
The camaraderie and genuine reactions of Jase and Murry are central to the charm of Duck Family Treasure.
“The challenge of consistently producing episodes has been intense, but incredibly rewarding. Looking back at all we’ve filmed, it feels like divine intervention that we’ve managed to find so many amazing things. I believe the show is genuinely entertaining, family-friendly, and uplifting. It’s a positive space to escape to, have some fun, and find a healthy distraction.”
Initially, Jase admitted his motivation was the thrill of finding valuable items. However, after numerous treasure hunts on various properties and sharing their discoveries with the landowners, his perspective shifted. He realized treasure hunting was about more than just coins and relics.
“There’s something profoundly satisfying about uncovering lost history,” he reflected. “The Bible talks about this concept a lot, and it’s become a guiding principle for the show. The real irony of Duck Family Treasure is the question: ‘What is life’s true treasure?’ We’re out there finding tangible valuables, but we always give them away.”
“Life is about more than possessions. The joy is in the hunt and the discovery, but the real treasure is sharing those experiences with others.”
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Throughout Duck Family Treasure, Jase and the team have unearthed a remarkable array of finds, from rare coins and gold to an entire sunken steamboat, which sparked legal debate due to its location straddling state lines.
“We also found a meteorite, which, regardless of any other discovery – and we’ve found a lot – gave us a certain credibility,” Jase noted. “It was a significant risk. We traveled to Kansas specifically to search for meteorites. Murry had done it 25 years prior, with some success, but we only had a couple of days of filming for the hunt, so expectations were low.”
“But as I said, we committed to the adventure regardless of the outcome, whether it was a complete bust or a million-dollar find. And then we found this meteorite, estimated to be thousands of years old. Holding that ancient object in my hand was an unbelievable experience.”
Jase Robertson’s “Unashamed” podcast is a significant part of his life and outreach.
The Unashamed Podcast: Deep Conversations and Faith-Based Insights
While Duck Family Treasure keeps Jase busy, the “Unashamed with the Robertson Family” podcast (unashamedtruth.com) demands even more of his time and energy. Yet, his and his family’s dedication fuels the demanding filming and recording schedule. To date, they’ve recorded over 870 episodes of “Unashamed,” all accessible online.
“I’m going to make a bold statement,” Jase began, “I genuinely believe our podcast is as impactful as Duck Dynasty. It just operates on a different platform, not network television. After Duck Dynasty, public encounters were always about the show. Now, overwhelmingly, people approach us about the podcast.”
“Most of our podcast audience has seen Duck Dynasty, but the shift in focus is undeniable and surprising to me. Essentially, we’re just having conversations and conducting a Bible study. It’s been an incredible journey. I started as a guest with my dad and brother, and now we produce four 50-minute episodes weekly, totaling over 200 episodes a year. It’s become a major part of my life. I’m constantly engaged in discussing or studying in preparation for our recordings, because accuracy in biblical interpretation is paramount.”
Jase emphasizes that the podcast has profoundly impacted his personal faith journey due to the in-depth study he undertakes to ensure theological accuracy for each episode.
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“I’ve been a Christian for 40 years, but I’ve learned more about the Bible in the last four years doing the podcast than in the previous 36 combined. The level of study required is intense. I’m on my third Bible in four years, literally wearing them out. But it’s been incredibly rewarding and fascinating to uncover nuances I missed for years.”
“I feel a deep responsibility. If people are investing their time to study the Bible with us, I need to set a high standard of diligent study and preparation.”
Beyond treasure hunting and podcasting, family remains central to Jase’s life. Duck Dynasty viewers remember his children as youngsters, but Jase is now a proud grandfather, a role he embraces wholeheartedly.
“Being a grandpa is incredible,” Jase shared. “The first few months were a little surreal, realizing, ‘Wow, I’m a grandpa now.’ But like everything in life, it’s not about you.”
“We also have a unique situation, another example of God’s timing. My wife Missy is heavily involved in ministry. Around the time I became a grandpa, we also became foster parents to a baby boy just two days old. Suddenly, our empty nest became quite full again! My wife and daughter-in-law are navigating motherhood and grand-motherhood together.”
Jase emphasizes the profound joy these new additions have brought to their lives.
“The joy babies bring is transformative, giving me a renewed appreciation for life,” he said. “Now we have two grandchildren, and we’re still fostering our little boy. And rumor has it, there might be another grandbaby on the way. It’s a beautiful, whirlwind season of life, sometimes I think, ‘Maybe we should slow down just a bit!’”
The Mia Moo Fund: Spreading Joy and Support
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Another vital part of Jase’s life is the Mia Moo Fund (miamoo.org), a charitable organization his family established after experiencing firsthand the challenges of raising a child with a cleft palate. He’s incredibly proud of his daughter, Mia Robertson, for taking the helm of the organization.
“Mia is the president of Mia Moo,” he stated. “Because of her craniofacial journey, she’s undergone numerous surgeries. Her decision to step up and lead, driven by her faith, has been truly inspiring. She felt a calling to bring joy and leadership to children facing similar challenges. She leads the way, and our events for these children and their families are incredibly moving.”
“Even if you’re not particularly sentimental, attending a Mia Moo Fund event is guaranteed to bring you to tears.”
The Robertson Dynasty Continues
What does the future hold for Jase Robertson – a man who has already achieved success with Duck Dynasty, now stars in Duck Family Treasure, co-hosts a weekly podcast, dedicates time to charitable work, and cherishes his roles as father and grandfather?
“At this point in my life, I’m truly living day by day,” he said. “I’m open to whatever path the Lord has planned. In the immediate future, I’m eager to spend time with our grandkids. I’ve been traveling extensively for the show, podcasts, speaking engagements, and special events.”
“You have to return to your roots, and family is our core priority. Whatever we pursue, we’ll do it together, as a family.”
Bonus Q&A with Jase Robertson
DUCKS OR TREASURE? That’s impossible to answer! Duck hunting is ingrained in my DNA. I’ll always duck hunt, but it’s seasonal. Treasure hunting, however, is a year-round passion. You can do it almost any day, rain or shine (avoiding lightning, of course, when holding a metal detector!). I love them both for different reasons. The perfect day would be bagging a limit of ducks and then uncovering an incredible treasure on the same day – which has actually happened!
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Uncle Si Robertson’s antics are a fan favorite on both Duck Dynasty and Duck Family Treasure.
HOW CRAZY IS UNCLE SI? That’s the most frequent question I get, no matter where I go. And my answer is always the same: He’s even crazier than you imagine! He’s hard to describe – like a human rollercoaster. He’s either wildly energetic or asleep for hours. But his “crazy” isn’t disturbing; it’s harmlessly funny. He’s just Si.
Getting Started in Treasure Hunting
Jase encourages anyone intrigued by Duck Family Treasure to try metal detecting. The initial investment in equipment is relatively low, making it accessible to beginners.
“You really only need a good metal detector, a pinpointer, and a shovel,” Jase advised. “A metal detector signals finds with beeps and numerical readings, but a pinpointer helps you precisely locate the target once you start digging.”
During the early stages of planning Duck Family Treasure, Jase partnered with Garrett Metal Detectors in Texas to develop the Garrett Jase Robertson Signature-Edition Apex Metal Detector, which he uses on the show.
The Duck Family Treasure team uses Garrett Metal Detectors for their treasure hunts.
Jase also emphasized the ethical considerations of treasure hunting, highlighting essential guidelines for newcomers.
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“Respecting trespassing laws is crucial,” he stressed. “Always get permission before searching on private property. Also, be aware of varying state and local regulations regarding historical sites and parks. Some permit metal detecting, others don’t.”
Once equipped, where should aspiring treasure hunters begin? Jase offered practical advice.
“Most people either know someone or live in a home built before 1900,” he suggested. “Those are prime locations to start. You’d be amazed at what you can find. I’ve been searching my own property for years and still make new discoveries.”
For More Information
Unashamed With The Robertson Family
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