GREEN BAY (NBC 26) — Catching a fish or shooting a deer are activities many people may take for granted. That's why 'Challenge the Outdoors' is inspiring local people living with disabilities they can do anything they set their minds too.
“We’re the same as everybody else is," said Keith Hartjes. "We just have to find different ways to do things that we want to do.”
Hartjes joined Challenge The Outdoors six years ago.
“I live for the outdoors," he said. "I do. I am a guy that I love to be out in nature."
Now, he runs three of the local nonprofits yearly excursions, ranging from archery shoots to trout fishing to deer hunting and more.
“When you see a person sitting in a wheelchair, you have to physically strap the gun to their arm, because they can't physically hold the gun, but he can pull the trigger," said Hartjes. "And when he shoots that pheasant, and he turns and looks at you and he's smiling from ear to ear. That's where it's at.”
Living with his disability for 24 years, Hartjes used to ride a three-wheel hand crank himself. Watching the Paralympics is always inspiring, he said.
“Those people, I tell you," he said. "They deserve all the praise in the world. They are true athletes.”
His goal is to prove enjoying the outdoors is for everyone.
“My life motto, I've got an engraved on my bracelet," said Hartjes. "It says, 'Don't diss my ability.' That's my motto in life.
Anyone who’s living with a disability, from paraplegia, to PTSD, can become members. Any veteran with a disability can become a member for free.
