The Pointe Mouillee Waterfowl Festival is not only America's oldest Waterfowl Festival but helps support a number of important groups, including the Pointe Mouillee State Game Area and conservation efforts, youth organizations and the local community.

Proceeds will benefit habitat at Pointe Mouillee State Game Area, the largest freshwater marsh restoration project in North America, located in the Detroit River International Wildlife Refuge.

This family-friendly event has been a Downriver tradition where nature lovers truly enjoy a wide range of fun outdoor activities, including popular events such as dog-jumping competitions and archery challenges.

“It all started in 1947 when duck hunters debated who was best at various duck-hunting techniques, such as setting decoys, shooting, punting, rowing, and carving decoys. It has since blossomed into what we have today,” said Bob Whitwam, executive director of the Pointe Mouillee Waterfowl Festival. “There is something to see, do or buy for all ages.”

This year’s event, September 19-20, will feature longtime favorites including the large trading post, art tent, decoy tent, lake championship layout shoot (Saturday), Michigan Duck Hunters tour (Sunday), Huron River championship dog jump, puppy row, dog demonstration, kids tent (free), bow and arrow shoots (free), BB gun shoot (free), muck race (for ages, free and $100 for winners), food trucks, beer tent, and live music.

The event also includes hourly raffles.

“This event could not be done without the help of the festival board/committee, volunteers and our great sponsors who make this work possible,” Whitwam said.

“Pointe Mouillee Waterfowl Festival is a 501(c)(3) organization and our funds support various projects, youth activities and equipment. The latest project is our second ADA hunting blind/walkway, which makes Pointe Mouillee Game Area accessible year-round.”

Pointe Mouillee is rich in duck-hunting tradition, but it is so much more: it is in the middle of the international wildlife refuge and is one of the major hubs for migratory birds and home to many other animals.

Pet-friendly events are planned for this year’s festival, along with the annual arts and crafts show where vendors offer a variety of waterfowl and wildlife art-based items for sale. Also continuing this year will be a kids tent with face painting and outdoor-themed games sponsored by the Huron-Clinton Metroparks and other local sponsors.

It does not matter if you are not a hunter – everyone is welcome to come and enjoy the festival.

“So spend a day or two with us – bring the family to enjoy Mother Nature at the Pointe Mouillee Waterfowl Festival,” Whitwam said.

The Pointe Mouillee State Game Area also hosts an annual walleye tournament (May 30) and Bill Barrow Memorial Sporting Clay Shoot (July 25).


There are opportunities to become a sponsor, either for the ADA Blind or for an event. Please contact pte. mouilleewaterfowlfestival.org or Bob Whitwam at Bobpmwf@gmail.com. Visit Ptemouilleewaterfowlfestival. org for further information on upcoming events.