Air quality across the state is being affected by wildfire smoke. Before heading outdoors, get information on current conditions and alerts at Michigan.gov/MiAir, and learn about the state’s response to inform and protect the public at Michigan.gov/EGLEWildfireSmoke.
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Recreational Safety and Hunter Education
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July 21, 2026
The Michigan Department of Natural Resources will host the 31st annual Saginaw Bay Waterfowl & Outdoor Festival Saturday, Aug. 1, and Sunday, Aug. 2, at Bay City State Park.
The festival runs 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday and 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Sunday. Event admission is free, but a Recreation Passport is required for all vehicles entering the park, which is located at 3582 State Park Drive in Bay City.
With family-friendly food trucks, a Smokey Bear bounce house, touch-a-truck and activities for kids, the festival aims to engage the next generation in Saginaw Bay’s conservation heritage. Kids can build their own wood duck boxes, give duck calling a try and learn about survival and outdoor skills.
“Tens of thousands of migratory birds journey to the Saginaw Bay region's unique wetland habitats each year,” DNR wildlife biologist Ryan Soulard said. “Our goal for this festival is to showcase the arts, skills and traditions of waterfowl hunting and the conservation stewardship that goes into our region in a family-friendly way. Whether you’re interested in waterfowl hunting, birding, wildlife watching or environmental conservation, the festival can connect you with the waterfowl heritage that makes the Saginaw Bay special.”
New this year, eventgoers can participate in free clinics on nature photography, hiking in Michigan, hunting turkeys and elk, hunting with dogs and duck calling. A packed vendor row will feature over 50 vendors offering outdoor and hunting gear and opportunities to engage in conservation.
Visitors can experience waterfowl hunting traditions such as dog retrievals, duck species identification, and duck and goose calling competitions — including the Michigan state qualifier for the world championship in Stuttgart, Arkansas.
The Michigan Duck Hunters Association Duck Stamp Contest judging will take place Saturday, Aug. 1, at noon in the park's Saginaw Bay Visitor Center. All contest entries will be on display for the public. The Michigan Duck Stamp Program raises money for wetland habitat restoration and habitat acquisition for waterfowl. A portion of every waterfowl stamp and print purchased goes toward Michigan wetland habitat restoration.
New hunters will have an opportunity to complete a hunter education field day during the festival Sunday, Aug. 2, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Preregistration is required. To participate in this field day, hunters must complete an online, interactive or take-home study course in advance, and present their certificate of completion at the field day.
Registration is available online. Learn more about obtaining a hunter safety certificate at Michigan.gov/HunterSafety.
The Saginaw Bay region is a vital ecosystem with wetland habitats like the Tobico Marsh at Bay City State Park, and nearby Nayanquing Point and Fish Point. These areas are major stopovers for North America’s waterfowl populations during fall and spring migration.
Through the sale of hunting licenses and excise taxes, Michigan’s waterfowl hunters are major contributors to wetland conservation. In addition to providing habitat for waterfowl, wetlands are natural filtration systems for contaminants that flow into our watersheds from industry, agriculture and transportation.
"When we take care of wetland habitats, we improve the quality of groundwater and the Great Lakes — providing clean drinking water to millions of people," Soulard said. "The Saginaw Bay Waterfowl & Outdoor Festival is a celebration of this important work to protect both waterfowl and the wetlands they call home."
The Saginaw Bay Waterfowl & Outdoor Festival is sponsored by Ducks Unlimited, Frank’s Great Outdoors, Friends of Bay City State Park, GK World Championship Calls, Jay’s Sporting Goods, Michigan Duck Hunters Association, Northwoods Wholesale Outlet, SC Johnson and Soaring Eagle Casino & Resort.
Note to editors: The accompanying photos are available below for download. Caption information follows.
Contact: Jonathan Massung, 989-667-0717 or Ryan Soulard, 989-510-8821
Michigan Department of Natural Resources officials are investigating a lake sturgeon that was found on Durham Road in Whitehall (Muskegon County), just south of the White River access.
You don’t go anywhere in summer without your water bottle, right? In hot weather, your trees may need a drink, too, especially if they’re recently planted.
DNR permit requires Enbridge to mitigate impacts to plant and animal habitats
The Michigan Department of Natural Resources recognized two volunteers for their years of service and dedication to the state’s hunter safety education program during the July meeting of the Michigan Natural Resources Commission in Lansing.
To help ensure W.C. Wetzel State Recreation Area meets the needs of visitors and the community, the Michigan Department of Natural Resources, in partnership with Macomb County, is asking for public input on a new general management plan for this largely undeveloped park in southeast Michigan.
Conservation groups, K-12 students and landowners across the Upper Peninsula will improve hundreds of acres of white-tailed deer habitat this year after receiving state grants generated from deer hunting license revenue.
Public ceremony/signing set for Friday, July 17
At its July meeting in Escanaba, the Michigan Department of Natural Resources’ Western Upper Peninsula Citizens’ Advisory Council is scheduled to learn practical tips for a safe and enjoyable state park experience, receive an update on charter boat captain requirements and consider several resolutions addressing bat research, fishing and climate change and guiding on the Great Lakes in winter months.
Nearly 100 parcels available; sale proceeds will be used to acquire land that better fits the department’s outdoor recreation, conservation goals
