After more than three decades of speculation, digging, and solving riddles, one of the world’s longest treasure hunts has officially come to a close. The “On the Trail of the Golden Owl” hunt, which captivated tens of thousands of treasure seekers across France, has concluded with the discovery of the elusive token leading to the grand prize—an owl statue made of gold, silver, and diamonds.
This remarkable hunt began in 1993, when French author and treasure enthusiast Régis Hauser buried the prized owl statue in a secret location somewhere in France. The statue, estimated to be worth around $165,000, remained hidden for 31 years, becoming the stuff of legend among dedicated participants.
The challenge was built around Hauser’s book, which contained 11 cryptic puzzles. Treasure hunters had to crack these puzzles and solve a final hidden mystery to uncover the location of the owl’s token, the key to claiming the statue.
On Thursday, Michel Becker, the artist who crafted the golden owl statue and illustrated Hauser’s book, made the stunning announcement on the social media app Discord: the token had been found. “Don’t go digging!” Becker cautioned, alerting the remaining treasure seekers that the hunt was officially over. “We confirm that the Golden Owl countermark was unearthed last night. It is therefore useless to go digging on the location you assume to be the cache.”
Becker went on to congratulate the anonymous winner. “Well done to the finder of the owl, huge congratulations are due,” he said, adding, “I hope we will learn the finder’s name in due course, and finally find the answers to the clues.”
While the identity of the treasure hunter remains unknown for now, this discovery marks the end of a fascinating chapter in modern treasure hunting history. For 31 years, this quest drew individuals and families from all over France and beyond, united by their desire to solve the puzzles and claim the prize. The treasure hunt became a cultural phenomenon, even sparking debates and theories about where the owl might be hidden and how best to interpret the clues.
For those familiar with the thrill of the chase, this ending might feel bittersweet. The idea of a hidden treasure waiting to be found had inspired generations, igniting the imaginations of people who longed to uncover a piece of history. But as the hunt comes to a close, it also serves as a reminder that determination, problem-solving, and a bit of luck can still lead to extraordinary discoveries.
In today’s fast-paced, tech-driven world, the “On the Trail of the Golden Owl” hunt was a throwback to a time when people sought adventure and mystery in the real world. It was a challenge that required patience, intellect, and perseverance—qualities that seem increasingly rare in a society obsessed with instant gratification. Now, as we await the full story behind the discovery, it’s clear that this treasure hunt will remain legendary in the annals of French culture.
And while some treasure hunters may be disappointed that they weren’t the ones to unearth the owl, they can take solace in knowing that they were part of something truly special—a hunt that spanned generations and brought people together in a quest for gold, mystery, and glory.