7 Outdoor Adventure Ideas for Social Distancing in 2020

With the current state of the “pandemic”, there is no better time to ditch work, and take the kids that are likely out of school already and head for the great outdoors.  With stress and anxiety levels at a peak nationwide, the outdoors are the perfect cure.  

According to Psychology Today, “spending time outdoors, and especially participating in outdoor activities, can lead to a variety of positive mental health outcomes.”  “The most common positive benefits seen were significant reductions in stress and anxiety after time spent in nature, as well as increased positive affect, or elevated mood.”   

The fish and wildlife have no idea whats going on and its business as usual in the countries forest and lakes.  Now is a perfect time to utilize that time off work and school to take advantage of all this great country has to offer, escape to nature, relax, hunt an elusive gobbler or stock the freezer with some fish fillets.   There’s no sports to watch or play, and you’re trying to avoid people, there might be something better to do than camp, fish, hunt, or boat, but I definitely can’t think of any right now!

Go for a hike

Get out to the closest public land near you and make a day of it, bring a lunch and games for the kids.  Have a scavenger hunt.  Hike the available trails or make your own.   

Go Camping

Although some campgrounds are closing, many of the countries national forest and public lands offer dispersed camping.  Dispersed camping is the term used by the US Forest Service for camping anywhere in the National Forest OUTSIDE of a designated campground. Dispersed camping means no services; such as trash removal, and little or no facilities; such as tables and fire pits, are provided.  It also means you won’t be sharing amenities with anyone else either.   Relax, go for a hike, scavenger hunt, find some blackberries,  build a campfire, hang a hammock, or read on for more things to do in the great outdoors!

Go Fishing

Spring is the perfect time to get out and do some fishing.  Most fish species are hungry and stocking up in preparation for the spawn.  Panfish, Bass, catfish as well as saltwater species like Speckled trout will all be turning on in the coming months.  If the water temps are still cold where you are check with your local baits shops or fishing Facebook groups to see what may be biting this time of year.  On the gulf coast the sheepshead bite has been on fire!

Go Hunting

Turkey Hunting, undoubtedly the most popular spring hunting, is already underway in the southeastern states and more seasons will be opening up soon.  If you’ve never turkey hunted before, then there is no better time than the present to get started.  Check your state regulations for seasons, limits and public land opportunities. 

Some states including Louisiana and Mississippi offer a spring squirrel season starting in May, just as turkey season concludes.  Some western states offer spring bear hunting.  Texas offers an alligator hunting season starting in April.  

Most states offer some form of predator hunting year round for hog and coyotes.

Frogging and crawfishing are some possibilities in southern states.  

Go Shed Hunting

Most deer and elk shed their antlers during March and April.  Make sure you know the laws and any seasons or requirements that apply to shed antler hunting in the area you plan to hunt. 

Hunt for Arrowheads

Spring is one of the best times of year to look for arrowheads.  The ground is softer and topsoil washes away from regular rainfall.  Start your search near clean water.   Clean creeks, lakes and ponds were an essential part of Native American camps.  Do some research and find out where in your area Native Americans may have had long term camps.  Freshly tilled fields are also a great place to look.

Take the boat out

If you haven’t taken the boat out yet, now is the time, load up the kids and go for a cruise.  If the boats been parked all winter chances are it needs to be run and topped off with fresh fuel.  Surely you’ll identify some project work or repairs you can do in the downtime before summer gets here.  Don’t forget to bring the life jackets, as I do, at least once a year. 

Whichever Outdoor Adventure you decide to increase your social distance, don’t wait, load up and get outdoors.  Before you know it we’ll all be back to work and school daydreaming of being outside again.