The Michigan Department of Natural Resources and the Pointe Mouillee Waterfowl Festival committee will host the 71st annual Pointe Mouillee Waterfowl Festival Sept. 15 and 16 at Pointe Mouillee State Game Area in Brownstown Township, Michigan.

The festival is one of the longest-running events of its kind in Michigan. This important tradition allows waterfowl hunters to come together to practice the art of waterfowl hunting and network with other waterfowl enthusiasts.

Activities begin at 8 a.m. Saturday and run through 5 p.m. Sunday. Admission to the festival is free, so bring the entire family. Donations for parking are greatly appreciated, but not required.

Located at the mouth of the Huron River at Lake Erie, Pointe Mouillee State Game Area is the largest freshwater marsh restoration project in North America and one of Michigan’s premier waterfowl hunting and viewing destinations. All proceeds from the annual festival benefit wetland restoration and wildlife habitat improvement at the state game area.

Hunters can buy, sell, or swap goods with outdoorsmen from around the Midwest at the “Greatest Outdoor Trading Post,” which features more than 100 exhibitor booths selling and trading equipment and supplies. Interested vendors can contact Joe Marra at 734-384-3915.

Fish-decoy carving, duck-decoy carving, fly-tying and small-boat building are among the daily demonstrations. Bring your retriever to participate in the Huron River Dog Jump contest. Learn tips from trainers on dog handling or find a new hunting buddy in “Puppy Row.” Kids’ games and activities include sling shot, BB gun and an archery shoot.

The Lake Erie Championship Layout Shoot, sponsored by Fritz Enterprises, will occur on Saturday rain or shine. The Midwest Duck Calling Championship, run by Ducks Unlimited, will be held Saturday at 10 a.m. – an event you won’t want to miss!

The Midwest Goose Calling Championship, sponsored by Covia, Waterfowl U.S.A Southern Lake Erie Chapter and the Gibraltar Duck Hunters Association, will be held Saturday at 2 p.m., with various prizes to be awarded.

Sunday’s festivities include the Michigan Duck Hunters’ Tournament, sponsored by Cabela’s, World Tek Industries, R.J.&J. Enterprises, Inc. and Gibraltar Duck Hunters, with hunters competing in shooting and boat-racing events.

There will be a live auction at 1:30 p.m. on Sunday. Auction items include a two-person hunt on Fighting Island, a guided hunt for two from Beeke’s Black Jack Guide Service, a two-person pheasant hunt from Beer Creek Hunt Club, an eagle birding tour at DTE Monroe, a waterfowl Mount from Mark Ditzel taxidermy and much more.

Festival T-Shirts, sweatshirts and hats will be available for purchase as well as raffle tickets for a La-Z-Boy chair, an Evinrude outboard motor, a gun hand-carved by Jim Canterbury and a $100 Ray’s Prime Meats gift card.

Visit DNR Wildlife Division staff in the Headquarters Check Station to ask questions about hunting and trapping at southeast Michigan state game areas and to pick up maps and information. Animal skulls and furs also will be on display. Hunting, trapping and fishing licenses will be available for purchase along with Pure Michigan Hunt applications and Vermet Unit access permits. Federal duck stamps also will be available.

“This festival is known for its 71 years of rich history,” said DNR wildlife biologist supervisor 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 more information, visit www.ptemouilleewaterfowlfestival.org or contact Pointe Mouillee Waterfowl Festival Executive Director Bob Whitwam at 734-587-3221 or pte.mouilleewaterfowlfestival@gmail.com.