The Bartholow Brothers are regularly recognized for their shooting achievements. Still, before we could start talking to them about their recent introduction to the South Dakota State Trap Shooting Association Hall of Fame, both had to tell a few jokes and throw a few jabs at each other. Foster told us about a thrilling shoot-off at this past weekend’s South Dakota State Championships.

“It was pretty cool,” Foster said. “Capping off getting inducted to the Hall of Fame with a fantastic weekend performance was icing on the cake. I won the singles, Matt won the doubles. Matt was the High Overall Champion, and I was the High All-Around Champion.”

Foster and Matt also went back and forth, giving each other a hard time about the Doubles Championship. Both Foster and Matt shot 99, which meant a shoot-off was in order.

“Of course, he kicked my butt,” Foster laughed.

“Ya, he thought he could step up and shoot with the big boys,” Matt chuckled.

That’s what makes these trap-shooting veterans so unique. Not only are they brothers, but even as competitors they want to see one another succeed. They are also more concerned with helping new shooters get involved than they are about boasting about their wins.

During the conversation, they didn’t mention past World Title wins or their many shooting accolades. They didn’t even say much about their recent Hall of Fame induction. Rather than talking about what an accomplishment it was to be the youngest shooters ever to be inducted, they focused on using this fantastic honor and their performances this past weekend to further the shooting sports and get more new hunters involved.

“It was a fantastic time and a great ceremony,” Matt said. “We got to talk with so many wonderful people and great shooters. I know we can use it to reach more beginner shooters and continue strengthening the sport.”

“The ceremony was remarkable,” Foster added. “South Dakota has so many great shooters, and to be honored with this at our age is pretty mind blowing.”

The Bartholow Brothers started trap shooting 22 years ago and haven’t looked back. Matt began to bust clays at age 14 and Foster at age 12. What started as a fun hobby, a way to shoot more and prepare for hunting, has come full circle. “Looking back, it’s kinda crazy,” Foster recalled. “I can still see us with our hunting shotguns using a petal-style thrower to send clays for each other. We haven’t stopped since.”

Both brothers, of course, had some fantastic coaches and outstanding family support along the way. “There came a point,” said Matt, when we needed to make a choice.” “We could stay with our hunting shotguns or upgrade to a trap-shooting-grade shotgun to help us be more competitive. Our coach took us to Guns Unlimited in Omaha, Nebraska and Tom Nichols took the time to take us through every Browning XT Trap Combo he had in stock. We picked out our guns, and that’s when things started to take off.”

Both Bartholow Brothers, aside from constantly ignoring the accolades and turning everything back to the free shooting clinics they offer and promotion of the sport, noted the role Browning has played in their success since joining the Browning Pro Staff in 2013.

“We wouldn't be where we are without Browning,” Foster said. “It’s funny. People keep saying it can’t be done at this level with a Browning, but Matt and I continue to show people that it can.”