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An Outdoor Challenge for 2015

Resolutions are popular this time of year, both in their making and breaking. I have a few annual resolutions myself: get organized and spend more time outdoors.  Ok…being as creative as I am about the placement and random storage of needed items, getting organized by the standard definition is a pipe dream.  But I do plan on increasing my time outside. And making it better, too, by measuring it differently this year.  I challenge you to do the same…

How many shots will you fire in 2015?
How many shots will you fire in 2015?

How many new places can you camp at this year?  Can you fire 100 rounds at the range in 2015?  1,000? 5,000? 10,000?  How about taking a turkey with both a shotgun and a bow this spring?  Do you think you can catch a member from 9 different fish families this year? How about harvesting at least six different species of waterfowl next season?

Nebraska_OutdoorU-4C-IconsThese are just a few of the goals you can set, track and be recognized for through Nebraska Outdoor U!‘s new online community.  They are great excuses for having fun with your buddies (or family) as you mark your outdoor achievements goals before they do.  If you enjoy burning powder, hunting, fishing, camping or just being outdoors you will find great ways to measure your time outside with NOU!

How many species of fish can you pull through the ice?
How many species of fish can you pull through the ice?

I plan on getting started early.  With the indoor ranges at the Nebraska Outdoor Education Center I am going to see just how much powder I can burn this winter towards my ‘Blazer‘ goal.  Perhaps even try for my ‘Robin Hood‘ at the archery range.  I know I will have competition for the ‘Winter Warrior goal with my brother and son as we pull fish through the ice – first one to 8 different species wins.

How many camp-out meals will you eat this year?
How many camp-out meals will you eat this year?

When the time is right the overnight challenges will prevail.  Wonder just how many meals outdoors I will eat this year. Just 39 more and I earn my NOU! “Master Chef” recognition.  This is a goal I can really sink my teeth into!

hershy

About Aaron Hershberger

Aaron "hershy" Hershberger is an Outdoor Education Specialist with the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission. He loves being outdoors. When not outdoors he is day-dreaming about being outdoors and/or whining that he is not outdoors. Hershy has been a Hunter Education Instructor, in two states, for nearly three decades & a Bowhunter Education Instructor for over 20 years.

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