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2003 MDHA Saginaw Bay Waterfowl Clinic
The eighth annual Saginaw Bay Waterfowl Clinic returns to the Bay City State Recreation Area Aug. 2-3.
The clinic celebrates the ducks and geese that use the Saginaw Bay Watershed wetlands for staging, nesting and breeding habitat, and encourages public awareness of Michigan’s waterfowl, the sport of waterfowl hunting and the importance of resource conservation programs. It is sponsored by the Michigan Department of Natural Resources, the Michigan Duck Hunter's Association, the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service and the Friends of Bay City State Recreation Area.
Event activities are scheduled for noon to 7 p.m. on Saturday and 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sunday. Major clinic programs include judging the 2004 Michigan Waterfowl Stamp Competition (4 p.m. Saturday), the Michigan Championship Duck Calling Contest and Michigan Goose Calling Competition (both on Sunday).
The duck calling competition begins at 12:30 p.m. In addition to a $200 cash prize, trophy and other prizes, the winner qualifies for the World Championship Duck Calling Contest in Stuttgart, Arkansas, later this fall. There also will be a team duck calling competition at 2:30. This event is designed for teams of two hunters, using working field calls, and the winners will advance to this year's World Championship in Pocahontas, Arkansas. The goose calling contest begins at 3:30. All three events require a $20 entry fee. Persons may register in advance or up to 30 minutes prior to the event.
Following the duck and goose calling contests, all youngsters 17 and under can take part in a special novice duck and goose calling event. Gander Mountain also will sponsor a free waterfowl calling seminar for enthusiasts of all ages.
The Duck Hunter and Outdoor Recreation Expo offers waterfowl clinic participants an opportunity to purchase the latest waterfowl hunting equipment, outfitter services. The Wildlife Art and Craft Show, along the park’s Lagoon Trail, offers a wide array of artistic creations. Other fun events include a youth/adult canoe race, dog retrieving trials, a live birds of prey exhibit, waterfowl ID trail, decorative decoy carving contest and a waterfowl photography contest that includes separate divisions for professionals, amateurs and juniors.
Admission is free; however, a state park motor vehicle permit is required for all vehicles entering the park. Permits are $4 for the day or $20 for an annual permit, which is valid at any state park.
The full schedule of events is posted on the DNR Web site at www.michigan.gov/dnr. Go to Recreation and Camping, then click on Visitor Centers to locate the Web page for the Saginaw Bay Visitor Center. For advance registration, participating vendor or artist information, or more information on the event, please stop by the Saginaw Bay Visitor Center, located within Bay City State Recreation Area, 3582 State Park Drive, Bay City, or phone 989-667-0717.
Source: MDNR |