The Michigan Department of Natural Resources will host the 78th annual Pointe Mouillee Waterfowl Festival Saturday, Sept. 19, and Sunday, Sept. 20, at Pointe Mouillee State Game Area in Brownstown.
The festival celebrates Pointe Mouillee as a world-class destination for waterfowl hunting and an important wetland refuge for thousands of migratory birds. With over 4,000 acres of wildlife habitat, Pointe Mouillee SGA is one of the largest ongoing freshwater marsh restoration projects in the world.
The festival runs 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday and 8 a.m.-3 p.m. Sunday. Event admission is free, but some contests require entry fees. Visit ptemouilleewaterfowlfestival.org for more information.
A huge outdoor trading post offers everything required for hunting and fishing adventures, including boats, decoys, duck and goose calls, clothing, fishing supplies, ropes, boots, waders and guide services.
Duck lovers can check out the Monroe Decoy Show and a duck calling contest presented by the Monroe Chapter of Ducks Unlimited. The duck calling contest will take place Saturday, 10 a.m-noon with registration opening at 9 a.m. This contest is open to all callers of any skill level, with prizes for the top three callers. Entry fees apply.
Wildlife artisans will fill the art tent with both displays and items for sale. Visitors can view and purchase a variety of wildlife arts, crafts and related items and supplies, including hand-carved and antique decoys, paintings, photography, memorabilia and taxidermy displays.
Both youth and adult hunters can register for the Lake Erie Championship Layout Shoot Saturday at 9 a.m. This contest simulates duck hunting out of a layout boat and allows hunters to practice their skills. Each participant will receive a box of steel shells and have 25 clay birds thrown for them. Entry fees apply.
The 78th Michigan Duck Hunters Tournament takes place Sunday, with registration beginning at 9 a.m. Organizers describe this tradition as "the most unique and oldest shooting event around," inviting hunters to test their skills in a fun, family-friendly event. Boats and steel shells are provided.
All ages can enjoy free archery and BB gun shoots with kid-friendly, trained supervision. The kids tent offers games, face painting, crafts and popcorn. Adults can take a break in the beer tent with live music and a football watch party.
Hunting dogs can practice or compete in jump contests as part of the Huron River Dog Jump Championship. Entry fees apply. The top five teams in the Qualifying and Fun Jump will compete for the daily championship. Dog owners must read the Dog Jump Rules before entering. Dog lovers and their canine friends can also watch or participate in dog retriever demonstrations.
The festival closes with the Muck Run at 2:30 p.m. Sunday. Just show up with a pair of shoes, boots, hip boots or waders and race through the mud and muck. Four race categories include girls age 15 and younger, boys age 15 and younger, girls and women age 16 and older, and boys and men age 16 and older. A firetruck will wash contestants off at the end of each race.
On the western shores of Lake Erie, Pointe Mouillee State Game Area is one of the most exceptional waterfowl hunting destinations in Michigan. Its rich biodiversity makes it an important birding site in the Midwest. Bald eagles, black-bellied plovers, glossy ibises, ospreys and whimbrels inhabit Pointe Mouillee throughout the year. This state game area offers abundant recreational opportunities, including birding, wildlife viewing, canoeing and kayaking, fishing and hiking.
Entry to Pointe Mouillee is free for all Michigan residents. State game and wildlife areas are funded by hunting licenses and cared for by the Michigan DNR to preserve wildlife habitat.