The annual Pointe Mouillee Waterfowl Festival returns Sept. 10-11 at the Pointe Mouillee State Game Area. Activities are scheduled from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. both days.

Located at the mouth of the Huron River separating Wayne and Monroe counties at Lake Erie, the Pointe Mouillee State Game Area is one of the largest freshwater marsh restoration projects 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 game area.

The weekend includes the 58th Michigan Duck Hunters’ Tournament, sponsored by Cabela’s, where hunters compete in sneak boat shooting, layout boat shooting, and marsh shooting events. Punt boat and rowing races also are included in the river 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 hosts wildlife artists and suppliers from all corners of the USA and Canada. The “Greatest Outdoor Trading Post” features over 190 exhibitors’ booths - selling and trading all kinds of outdoor fishing, hunting, and camping equipment and supplies. The vendors interested in participating should contact Don Tarry at (734) 848-4826.

Kids’ games and activities include a BB gun shoot sponsored by Daisy, an archery shoot sponsored by Gander Mountain, face painting, clowns, and waterfowl-related games. Chainsaw carving, fly-tying, and small-boat building are among the daily demonstrations. Dog retriever events are slated for both days.

The Midwest Goose Calling Championship will be held Saturday at 12 p.m. and the Midwest Duck Calling Championship will be held Sunday at noon. Winners of the duck calling championship are eligible for the World Duck Calling Contest in Stuttgart, Arkansas. These events are sponsored by Gander Mountain. Gander Mountain will host duck hunting and goose hunting seminars and demonstrations all day Saturday. Food for the event is supplied by Ray’s Prime Meats of Taylor, MI. The annual auction will be held Sunday at 1:30 p.m. in the decoy tent.

This year’s festival is dedicated to James Edward Foote, wildlife artist, carver and former DNR biologist, who passed away in 2004. For additional information, contact Pointe Mouillee Waterfowl Festival Executive Director Dick Whitwam at (734) 379-4292 or visit their Web site at www.miwaterfowlfest.org.