Buzz
Crafted by woodworker Darryl Fenton, this quirky creation was officially named the Wooden Moose Candy Dispenser. Made in his Alaskan workshop, the unfinished wooden moose featured a rectangular slot in the back for candy. Lifting the moose’s head released the treats in a manner humorously reminiscent of a bowel movement.
QVC sold an astonishing 30,000 units in just 10 minutes.
Dubbed the Poopin' Moose, this unique wooden item was introduced to QVC during their 1997 nationwide tour. In Alaska, Glenn Munro of Unique Concepts showcased the moose, which had been licensed from Fenton. Originally sold at local fairs, QVC recognized its quirky appeal and decided to feature it on air, leaving the entertaining sales pitch to their skilled hosts.
Host Pat Bastia quipped, "What could be more amusing than dispensing candy from a moose’s rear?" Some hosts experimented with brown M&Ms, while Steve Bryant joked about whether a Hershey bar would cause the moose to have 'diarrhea.' When peanut candies clogged the dispenser, Bryant humorously diagnosed it as 'constipated' and cleared the blockage with his finger.
After patenting the device in 1995, Denton struggled to keep up with the overwhelming demand. He expanded production by outsourcing to multiple facilities, ultimately selling more than 100,000 units through Unique and other distributors during the late 1990s and early 2000s.
As the moose gained popularity, Denton introduced a lineup of other animals capable of dispensing treats, including buffalo, mules, bunnies, and alpacas. He even created a high-end Millennium Pooper—a walnut-carved moose with ivory eyes—priced at $150. For a limited time, a smaller version called the Pocket Pooper was also available.
Sadly, Denton’s dedication to his craft led to his downfall. In 2004, a competitor launched Mr. Moose, a similar poop-themed product manufactured in China and priced at just $25, far less than Denton’s $100 handmade version. Facing health issues and financial strain, Denton halted production, and the Poopin’ Moose never returned to QVC. Former host Steve Bryant expressed his disappointment in a 2004 interview with author David Hofstede.
"It was handmade, created jobs in Alaska, and it pooped M&Ms," Bryant remarked. "What could be cooler than that?"
