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The Michigan Department of Natural Resources and the Pte. Mouillee Waterfowl Festival committee will host the 66th annual Pointe Mouillee Waterfowl Festival Sept. 14-15 at Pte. Mouillee State Game Area (PMSGA) in Brownstown Township.

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 appreciated, but not required. 

Located at the mouth of the Huron River at Lake Erie, 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 restoration and wildlife habitat improvement at the area.

The weekend’s festivities include the Michigan Duck Hunters’ Tournament, sponsored by Cabela’s, with hunters competing in shooting and boat-racing events; the Midwest Decoy Contest, with decoy and bird carvers from Canada and the U.S. competing for blue ribbons and prize money; and the Wildlife Art Show, featuring artists and suppliers from all corners of the U.S. and Canada.

The Lake Erie Championship Layout Shoot, sponsored by Gander Mountain, will take place on Saturday, along with hip-boot races for men, women and youth.

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 Bob Kemper at 734-652-7243. Festival T-shirts and hats will be available for purchase.

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 dock dog jumping contest. Learn tips from trainers on dog handling or find a new hunting buddy in "Puppy Alley." 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 1 p.m., with various prizes to be 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, Ark.

Attendees can visit DNR Wildlife Division staff in the Headquarters Check Station to ask questions about hunting and trapping at local Southeast Michigan state same areas and to pick up maps and information. Animal skulls and furs will also 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 will also be available from the U.S. Postal Service.

“This festival is known for its 66 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.miwaterfowlfest.org or contact Pte. Mouillee Waterfowl Festival Executive Director Dick Whitwam at 734-379-4292.