The competition is heating up in downtown Wichita. Believe it or not, it has nothing to do with basketball. It’s the annual Taxidermists Convention.

They say this is an art form, and many people don’t understand how much work goes into these pieces. And these competitions are not about a reward, but rather about improving your craft.

What started for fun 30 years ago, is now a career for Brian Sigman.

“I got real serious about it and kind of turned it into a business,” said Brian Sigman, Sigs Taxidermy.

A part time taxidermy business for the Wichita Police Lieutenant, but after retirement, he plans to go full time. He’s part of this year’s Kansas Association of Taxidermists Competition.

“This is a rare pheasant, an exotic pheasant here,” said Tim Stidham, Kansas Association of Taxidermists President.

There are mounted birds, African animals, deer, fish, and snakes, to name a few. And the work is by taxidermists from across the country, not just Kansas.

“You can see there’s a lot of originality, you know, it’s not just a typical deer up on the wall,” said Sigman.

“They paint, they carve, they do anything and everything any other single disciplined artist would do,” said Rick Krane, judge.

Krane is a judge from New Hampshire, and is looking at colors, seams, and mouth lines, among other things. He says taxidermy is his passion.

“I wanted to make sure that I could preserve something so other people could see it,” said Krane.

The artists don’t receive money for awards, but rather titles in various categories. And they say the best part of the hobby is having something special for years to come.

“The art of taxidermy is growing and it’s reproducing a memory, whether it’s a hunt, a fishing trip,” said Stidham.

Sunday from 9 a.m. to noon you can see these for yourself at the Drury Inn in downtown Wichita. They are located at 400 West Douglas Ave and their number is 316-262-5000 for more information.