How to Cope With Cabin Fever

Winter is not quite over yet, but spring is definitely not here either.  I am 100% sure that I'm not the only person who struggles with cabin fever this time of year.  This in between time is usually one of the hardest times for me because I am limited on what I can do.  Most of the ice-fishing spots are getting a little iffy with the weather getting above freezing every day, yet there is still snow on the ground which prevents me from getting out as much as I do in the summer.  I've put together a short list of activities that have helped me cope with this dilemma and deal with cabin fever.  They might come in handy if you live in an area similar to mine. 

My Jeep on a backroad

1. Go get your truck stuck!
I know that sounds like something stupid, but let me explain.  Try to get to some of the random places you like to go in the spring/summer time.  Push the envelope on taking a partly plowed road into some fishing hole or hunting/hiking spot.  Inevitably you'll get stuck and spend the next chunk of time getting your truck out, but at least you will know how close you are to getting to that secret spot!  This gets you outside and helps give you an idea of how close/far spring really is.

Me snowshoeing

2. Pick up snowshoeing!
Once you get your truck unstuck try out the sport of snowshoeing.  Late winter and early spring are some of the best times to get out and snowshoe.  The snow usually melts and then freezes at night which creates a slight crust on top which allows you to walk right on top of everything with snowshoes.  This gets you out, getting exercise, and gets you ready for your summer hiking/scouting trips.  There are lots of random sporting good stores who rent out snowshoes for those who want to try out the sport.  If you've already tried it and want to get started, you can always find great deals on Ebay or other online sites.

A few sheds

3. Shed hunt!
If you are anything like me, the spots you want to get to this time of year, but can't due to the weather, are more than likely some of your hunting spots you are anxious to get back to.  So now that you've driven you're truck, gotten it unstuck, strapped on your snowshoes, and am now walking around, take you're time to get familiar with the area leading into one of your hunting spots.  I know that there have been plenty of times I have seen deer or elk on the drive into our hunting spot then get completely skunked in our "secret spot".  Take this time to look for deer sign such as trails, scrapes, or any other normal deer sign.  Remember that there may not be much fresh sign if the animals have moved into a wintering area, but you might be surprised with what you might find!

Fishing

4. Go fishing!
The previous suggestions all have to do with hunting and/or hiking.  This suggestion is one that embraces the time of year we are in and makes the best of it.  Dress warm and hit the river.  Grab your fishing pole, a friend, and your tackle box and take a walk down stream.  You may only be lucky enough to get to one or two river accesses, but throw your line in the water and enjoy the sunshine.  Fishing is always a good pass time especially if you are tired of being cooped up inside all winter.  It may not be warm enough for swimming or wiping out the boat, but getting outdoors with a fishing pole is therapeutic and relaxing.

In all reality, the secret to dealing with cabin fever is to get out and find something to do.  It really doesn't matter what it is, but be creative and get outside.  Don't be one of those people who randomly has an excuse for everything and always complains about the weather.  If you like the outdoors then get out there, if you would rather be inside reading a book go right ahead.  The bottom like is make sure you never have an excuse of why you aren't doing something you want.  Life is to short to spend on making up excuses.  Get out and live your life however you enjoy (law permitting).