Annual Waterfowl Festival returns to Pointe Mouillee Sept. 8-9
The Michigan Department of Natural Resources and the Pointe Mouillee Waterfowl Festival committee will host the 65th annual Pointe Mouillee Waterfowl Festival on Sept. 8-9. Taking place at Pointe Mouillee State Game Area (PMSGA) in Brownstown Township, activities begin at 8 a.m. Saturday and run through 5 p.m. Sunday. Admission is free, and the entire family is welcome.
Located at the mouth of the Huron River at Lake Erie, the PMSGA is the largest freshwater marsh restoration project in North America and one of Michigan’s premier waterfowl hunting destinations. All proceeds from the annual festival benefit wetland restorations and wildlife habitat improvements at the area.
The weekend includes the Michigan Duck Hunters’ Tournament, sponsored by Cabela’s, with hunters competing in shooting and boat-racing events. The Midwest Decoy Contest includes decoy and bird carvers from Canada and the U.S. competing for blue ribbons and prize money. The Wildlife Art Show features artists and suppliers from all corners of the U.S. and Canada.
Hunters can buy, sell or swap goods with outdoorsmen from around the Midwest at the “Greatest Outdoor Trading Post,” which features more than 100 exhibitors’ booths selling and trading equipment and supplies. Interested vendors can contact Bob Kemper at 734-652-7243.
Fish-decoy and duck-decoy carving, fly-tying and small-boat building are among the daily demonstrations. Visitors can bring their retrievers to participate in the Huron River dock dog jumping contest and learn tips from trainers on dog handling or find a new hunting buddy in “Puppy Alley.” Kids’ games and activities include a BB gun shoot, an archery shoot, face painting, clowns, Great Lakes slingshot contest and waterfowl-related games.
The Midwest Goose Calling Championship, sponsored by Zink Calls and Hevi-shot, will be held Saturday at 1 p.m., with various prizes to be handed out. The Midwest Duck Calling Championships will be held Saturday and Sunday at 10 a.m. with four separate contests. All four winners are eligible for the World Duck Calling Contest in Stuttgart, Ark.
This year’s festival is dedicated to Carl Jennings, decoy carver, waterfowl hunter and Waterfowl Festival volunteer.
“This festival is known for its 65 years of rich history,” said DNR wildlife biologist supervisor Joe Robison. “This is a great opportunity for adults and kids to experience the great outdoors and the rich waterfowl hunting traditions of western Lake Erie and the lower Detroit River.”
For more details on these activities and information for exhibitors, visit or contact Pointe Mouillee Waterfowl Festival Executive Director Dick Whitwam at 734-379-4292.
Admission to the festival is free, but a donation for parking is greatly appreciated. Last year, more than 10,000 visitors attended the festival.
In addition to the Waterfowl Festival, the Michigan Waterfowl Legacy (MWL) kicks off Sept. 8 in five different locations throughout Michigan, including Pointe Mouillee. MWL is a 10-year, cooperative partnership to restore, conserve and celebrate Michigan’s waterfowl, wetlands and waterfowl hunting community. MWL is a “call to action” to honor yesterday, engage today and build for tomorrow. For more information and kick-off locations and times, visit www.michigan.gov/mwl.
