As a youngster hunting around his hometown of Boone, IA, it was evident that Dennis had a fascination with small game and deer. He enrolled in a mail-order taxidermy course, and at the age of 14 he mounted his first whitetail head.

     "I sure can't attest to the quality of that first mount," Dennis says, "but I do remember that the first forms I received didn't seem to fit my skins, so I started modifying the forms by cutting them up, not really knowing what I was doing, only trying for a good fit." This quest for the perfect fit has never left Dennis.

     Hired in 1970 by Jonas Brothers of Denver, his skills were quickly noted. Within a year and a half he was named foreman and chief sculptor of the taxidermy studio where he remained for 10 years.

     In the mid-1980's, Dennis joined the staff at McKenzie Supply to specialize in sculpting shoulder manikins. Since then Dennis has created extensive and innovative lines of African, Exotics of the World, and North American species including Mule Deer, Elk, Caribou, Moose, Bighorn, Pronghorn Antelope, and of course Whitetail.

     The forms he sculpts have been thoroughly researched and tested. Dennis' research is ongoing, so he can provide taxidermists with the best-fit possible. Dennis' taxidermy and sculpting skills have been fine-tuned and developed for 30 years, making him one of the most respected craftsmen in the industry.

     Dennis pursues his sculpting in the fashion of a true perfectionist. He has won numerous awards at national and world competitions, including the first Coleman Jonas Award. The best praise Dennis can receive comes from McKenzie customers. They know without exception, if Dennis Behn sculpts the form, it will be the best fitting, most anatomically correct you can find.