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Contact: Zachary Cooley, 734-379-9692
Pointe Mouillee Waterfowl Festival Sept. 13-14 celebrates world-class migratory bird destination
The Michigan Department of Natural Resources will host the 77th annual Pointe Mouillee Waterfowl Festival Saturday, Sept. 13, and Sunday, Sept. 14, at Pointe Mouillee State Game Area in Brownstown.
The festival celebrates Pointe Mouillee as a world-class migratory waterfowl destination, the sport of waterfowl hunting and wetland conservation. Offering over 4,000 acres of managed habitat, Pointe Mouillee SGA is one of the largest 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 admission fees. Visit ptemouilleewaterfowlfestival.org for more information.
Both youth and adult hunters can register for the Lake Erie Championship Layout Shoot Saturday. This contest simulates duck hunting out of a layout boat. Designed to allow hunters to work on skills as a layout shooter, each participant will receive a box of shells and 25 clay birds thrown at them. Entry fees apply.
The 77th Michigan Duck Hunters Tournament takes place Sunday, with registration beginning at 9 a.m. This tournament began in 1947 when a small group of duck hunters was discussing who could shoot the best, set decoys the fastest and row and punt the fastest, and this friendly competition was born. The tradition continues today with what organizers describe as “the most unique and oldest shooting event around,” inviting hunters to test their skills in a fun, family-friendly event.
The free, all-ages archery and BB gun shoots have trained supervision at all times for kid-friendly fun. The kids tent offers games, face painting, crafts and popcorn.
A huge outdoor trading post offers a one-stop shop for hunting and fishing equipment and outdoor clothing and supplies. Duck lovers can participate in the Monroe Decoy Show and a duck calling contest presented by the Monroe Chapter of Ducks Unlimited. Adults can take a break in the beer tent with live music and a football watch party.
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Hunting dogs can participate in the Qualifying and Fun Jump, with the top five teams each day competing for the daily champion. Dog owners and their canine friends can also watch or participate in dog retriever demonstrations.
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.
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A live auction supports ongoing freshwater marsh habitat restoration. Attendees can bid on Detroit Tigers tickets, guided duck or goose hunts and a fishing trip. Doors open at 3 p.m. Saturday; bidding starts at 4 p.m.
The festival wraps up Sunday with the Muck Run at 2:30 p.m. 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 15 and younger, boys 15 and younger, women 16 and up and men 16 and up. A firetruck will wash contestants off at the end of each race.
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