The coronavirus pandemic has thrown a wrench in many a wedding this year. Couples have canceled, rescheduled, and postponed their nuptials indefinitely in the face of social distancing regulations and mask mandates.
Of course, dealing with that level of chaos can be hard on any bride or groom. However, if there’s a silver lining in any of this, it’ that the groom now has more time to celebrate being a bachelor.
COVID-19 may have changed things, but you and the guys can still spend a few days living it up in the great outdoors. Here are a few bachelor party ideas for outdoorsmen that may help inspire your planning.
1. Fish
If the bachelor’s favorite place is the lake, consider taking a fishing trip with the boys. Rent a boat, grab a few poles, and set sail. Bring a cooler if you want to enjoy your spoils over a fish dinner later and don’t forget to take photos of your biggest catch.
You might also go fly fishing if the groom wants to try something different. Make sure everyone purchases a pair of waders and the proper equipment. Then, read up on fly fishing and give everyone a crash course before you go. Otherwise, you may have some frustrated fishermen on your hands.
2. Go Rock Climbing
What’s manlier than climbing a cliff face? Take the bachelor party to a whole other level and go rock climbing with the lads. Drive to Boulder, Colorado or Joshua Tree National Park and climb mountains and boulders like Spiderman.
If you don’t live anywhere near these rock climbing havens, consider taking a trip to West Virginia, Tennessee or another mountainous region. Alternatively, you might choose an indoor climbing gym and put the money you would have spent on a road trip towards post-summit drinks.
3. Throw Some Axes
Your man cave dartboard’s got nothing on axe throwing. This extreme sport is a favorite among men and the ultimate bachelor party activity. With hundreds of venues all over the globe, there’s sure to be one close by.
Head to your nearest location and take turns throwing hatchets at a wooden bullseye. A standard game consists of 10 throws per person and the competitor with the most points at the end wins the round. Place bets and drink up to keep things interesting. Just remember to keep an eye on the groom to make sure he’s drinking and throwing safely. If you’re the best man, you’re responsible for his wellbeing — especially if the wedding is the following day.
4. Hunt
If the groom is more into firearms than hatchets, grab a few rifles and go hunting with the boys. In New York and other parts of the Midwest, turkey season has begun — just in time for Thanksgiving. You also have a better shot at deer, elk and other large game this time of year.
Moreover, in autumn, bucks are in full antler and bred does won’t yet show or carry identifiable fawns. Plus, most fawns are self-sufficient by now, so shooting a doe won’t inadvertently condemn a baby deer to starvation. Thus, you and the other guys can hunt guilt-free.
5. Rent Beach House
Would the groom rather work on his tan than his shooting skills? Head to the beach and spend a day chugging beers and swimming. Better yet, make a weekend out of it and rent a beach house.
Keep the trip affordable for everyone by spending a few days in Georgia or the Carolinas. If you have a little more room in the budget, go all out and stay in the tropics. Pack your bags and head to Aruba, Barbados or Bonaire. However, avoid the more northern Caribbean islands until December as hurricane season is now in full swing.
6. Camp Out
Lace up your hiking boots and spend a day or two hiking the great outdoors. Explore your local state park or backpack into the wilderness of a national park. Bring along a few sleeping bags, plenty of food and some quality whiskey. Then, when you reach your destination, pitch your tents and build a fire.
Spend the evening savoring the groom’s favorite spirits and reflecting on all the good times you’ve had together as bros and single bachelors. The next morning, you can hike out, return to city life and boast about your time in the wilderness like the mountain men you are.
Try These Bachelor Party Ideas for Outdoorsmen
Spend the day rock climbing, fishing or doing whatever activity the groom chooses. Then, when nighttime rolls around, swap those hiking shoes for Chelsea boots and hit the town. Have a few drinks, head to a club and enjoy the best of both worlds.
Just remember to wear your disposable face mask USA made and social distance whenever you’re not throwing back a beer.
Oscar Collins is the managing editor at Modded. He writes about cars, fitness, the outdoors and more. Follow @TModded on Twitter for more articles from the Modded team.