As a longtime hunting guide and professional taxidermist, Dennis "Shoe" Shoemaker has a love affair with big elk. Dennis lends his admiration and experience by serving as the chief taxidermist for the Elk Foundation’s Great Elk Tour.
Bringing the Elk Tour to life
From superbly crafted shoulder mounts to life-size renditions of world-class bulls, Dennis brings the Great Elk Tour to life in vibrant detail each year. Dennis is one of the premier elk taxidermists in the country. He has mounted more world record, all-time record, state record and world-class bull elk than any other taxidermist. We are extremely proud to have a taxidermist of this caliber associated with the Great Elk Tour.
Dennis uses only premium McKenzie Taxidermy Supply forms, eyes and ears for each mount. McKenzie generously donates all the competition-quality materials. In addition, Quality Tan of Great Falls, Montana, donates its top-notch tanning services, ensuring the mounts will look as good 15 years from now as they do today.
Official measurer and ambassador
Dennis is a certified measurer for a number of record-keeping organizations, including Boone & Crockett, and often donates his time at Great Elk Tour events to score trophy game for event attendees. In addition, Dennis serves as an Elk Foundation ambassador by showing outdoor enthusiasts how they can help us support great elk and great elk country everywhere.