Early French settlers were the first to discover this marshy delta at the mouth of the Huron River where it empties into Lake Erie, just south of Detroit.  Appropriately named Pointe Mouillee, which translates to "wet point", the name, while strange to the ears of succeeding generations, has identified the area ever since.  This area became synonomous with excellent opportunities for wing shooting among well-heeled sportsmen of the gas-light era, and was established in the late 19th century by a top-drawer social group of men and made into a hunting club.

Founded in 1875, "The Big Eight Club" was an aristocratic wildfowling club founded by eight wealthy businessmen.  Four years later, in 1879, the clubs name was changed to the Pointe Mouille Shooting Club, and its membership grew from eight to ten.  For 70 years this organization was regarded as the premier hunting club in Michigan, and was well known throughout this state, and many others.  Membership in such an aristocratic organization was deamed as highly fashionable at the time, and people eagerly accepted invites to the club to enjoy the many game hunting opportunities that were available.

In 1945, the Michigan Department of Conservation aquired this 2,608 acre piece of property for $75.00 per acre, and its famed channels were opened to the public for hunting.  The first season drew an estimated 10,000 wing shooters, from every walk of life, looking to part-take in the wonderful hunting opportunities available at Pointe Mouillee. 

Over the years, this once splendid marsh has declined due to many changes in the natural state of affairs.  In the early 1930's, dams began to be constructed on the Huron River, altering the natural flow of the river, and grealty reducing the sediments in the river that helped replenish the natural offshore barrier beach which protected the marsh from Lake Erie.  In the late 1960's and the early 1970's, high water levels, wave action, and ice all worked together to destroy the barrier and the marsh.

Festival Sponsors:




Website Hosting Donated By:
Thomas Fox
Technology Experts Corporation
(734) 457-5000
Monroe, Michigan

This year's festival is dedicated to:

Betty Odine from Riverview, MI

&

Sam Gay from Brownstown,MI

Dedicated Volunteers of the Pointe Mouillee Waterfowl Festival, and Habitat Supporters. We Thank You for your Time and Dedication!

Need more inforamtion? E-mail us by clicking here