Records are made to be broken, but this one will take some effort.
The Howard family of Bismarck registered 15 shooters for the State Trapshoot that wraps up at the Minot Gun Club today. It is believed to be a record for members of the same family participating in a single state event.
"My sister put this together. One family, same bloodlines, with 15 shooters from the same family. There could be a couple extras, but we know there'll be at least 15," laughed Darryl Howard, Bismarck, during the Youth Team Event this past Wednesday. "This is a record, I think."
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Kim Fundingsland/MDN
Members of the Howard family of Bismarck gather outside the clubhouse at the Minot Gun Club during the first day of the State Trapshoot this past Wednesday. A record 15 family members signed up to break targets during the shoot.
Howard was enjoying his day at the Minot Gun Club, surrounded by numerous family members. Five were participating in the youth shoot. Jim Howard, a brother, was watching the shooting line, too. He had a son and a grandson breaking clay pigeons.
"It's fun," said Jim Howard. "My son got me started a number of years ago. He was shooting league in Bismarck and wanted me to come up one night and shoot some fun rounds. Now I own eight or 10 traps guns, 10 reloaders and lots of shot and powder."
Darryl Howard was quick to add, "Actually, tons of lead. It keeps a guy ambitious to keep yourself and kids in shells. That's a fact."
According to Darryl Howard, the family outing would result in 1,000 rounds of shotshells being fired at targets. In reloading terms that is roughly 75 pounds of lead shot.
"It's in our blood," said Darryl Howard with a broad smile. "My dad started it about 45 years ago, maybe 50. From there his brothers and sisters, who are my aunts and uncles, my generation started. Now my kids have started, my youngest being 11. Fifteen from the same family. Pretty impressive."
Darryl Howard, who said he's been involved in trapshooting for 35 years, declined to say who in the family was the best shot.
"To be determined," he said.