Aug. 13, 2009
The Department of Natural Resources will co-host the 62nd Annual Pointe Mouillee Waterfowl Festival Sept. 12-13 at Pointe Mouillee State Game Area (PMSGA). Activities begin at 8 a.m. Saturday and run through 5 p.m. Sunday. Admission is free.
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 areas. All proceeds from the festival benefit wetland restorations and wildlife habitat improvements at Pointe Mouillee.
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 decoys, fish, and bird carvers from all over North America. The Wildlife Art Show features artists, crafters, 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 180 exhibitor booths selling and trading equipment and supplies. Interested vendors can contact Don Tarry at (734) 241-7041.
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. Activities for youngsters include a BB gun shoot, an archery shoot, face painting, clowns and waterfowl-related games.
The Midwest Goose Calling Championship, sponsored by Zink Calls, will be held Saturday at noon with a first prize of $1,000. The Midwest Duck Calling Championship will be held Saturday and Sunday at 10 a.m. with four separate contests. Winners are eligible for the World Duck Calling Contest in Stuttgart, Arkansas.
This year's festival is dedicated to former DNR wildlife biologist Bob Humphries, who was an avid waterfowler and a champion of mentoring youth into outdoor recreation. Humphries served as a wildlife biologist at Pointe Mouillee during the 1970s.
"This festival is known for its 62 years of rich history," said DNR wildlife biologist Joe Robison, "This is a great opportunity for adults and kids to experience the great outdoors."
Last year, more than 10,000 visitors attended the festival.
For more information, contact Pointe Mouillee Waterfowl Festival Executive Director Dick Whitwam, at (734) 379-4292 or online at www.miwaterfowlfest.org.
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