Annual Waterfowl Festival Returns to Pointe Mouillee in South Rockwood, Michigan Sept. 10-11
OutdoorHub 08.29.11
The Michigan Department of Natural Resources and the Pointe Mouillee Waterfowl Festival Committee will host the 64th Annual Pointe Mouillee Waterfowl Festival Sept. 10-11 at Pointe Mouillee State Game Area (PMSGA) located in South Rockwood. Activities begin at 8 a.m. Saturday and run through 5 p.m. Sunday. Admission is free.
Last year, more than 10,000 visitors attended the festival.
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 USA competing for blue ribbons and prize money. The Wildlife Art Show features artists and suppliers from all corners of the USA 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 carving, duck-decoy carving, fly-tying and small-boat building are among the daily demonstrations. Dog retriever events are slated for both days with hunting seminars scheduled for Saturday. Kids’ games and activities include a BB gun shoot, an archery shoot, face painting, clowns, Great Lakes sling shot contest and waterfowl-related games.
The Midwest Goose Calling Championship, sponsored by Zink Calls and Hevi-shot, will be held Saturday at noon with various prizes awarded. 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, Arkansas.
This year’s festival is dedicated to the United States and Canadian military, active soldiers, veterans, prisoners of war and those missing in action. A parade of military honoring their service will be conducted. The festival is also dedicated to Betty Gay, former treasurer of the festival and long-time supporter.
“This festival is known for its 64 years of rich history,” said DNR wildlife biologist 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 morel information, contact Pointe Mouillee Waterfowl Festival Executive Director Dick Whitwam at 734-379-4292 or online at: .
The Michigan Department of Natural Resources is committed to the conservation, protection, management, use and enjoyment of the state’s natural and cultural resources for current and future generations. For more information, go to www.michigan.gov/dnr.
