The dogs are so excited to retrieve and please their owners.
Saginaw Bay Waterfowl Festival- More Than Ducks and Decoys
Exhibitors, exhibitions and events made for great family fun
August 10, 2015
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By: John Keuvelaar
The 20th annual Saginaw Bay Waterfowl Festival was more than just ducks and decoys. It has become a great outdoor event that features all kinds of waterfowl activities that is more than just hunting. It has also become a great way of showcasing the local State Recreational Area of Bay City.
Tom Gillman displays his creations and his mushrooming business.
(MyBayCity Photo by John Keuvelaar)
These quick chainsaw carvings were part of Saturday's competition. They were auctioned off on Sunday.
(MyBayCity Photo by John Keuvelaar)
Saturday featured for the first time wood carving competition. The nine participants showed off their skills of sculpturing with chainsaws the many designs of our woodland creatures and birds. Throughout the two days there were events for everyone to watch and enjoy including various duck and goose calling contests as well as demonstrations for the dogs. It was amazing to watch the dogs locate and retrieve their targets with such skill and enthusiasm. On one such exhibition, the featured dog had lost sight of the tossed decoy and returned to the owner. After several attempts to send the dog back out, it was clear a retrieve was not going to happen. Another handler went to the pen that held several other dogs and pulled out his lab. With the flick of his hand, that dog launched into the water and was on the hunt. Locked in, the lab quickly retrieved that target with such enthusiasm.
This dog gets a beat on the decoy he is to retrieve.
(MyBayCity Photo by John Keuvelaar)
The black lab brings back his decoy.
(MyBayCity Photo by John Keuvelaar)
In another area, handlers showed off their dogs in obstacle course as the dogs retrieved their tennis ball with such excitement.
Other great features of this festival were the pro?s on hand to answer questions and demonstrate their techniques. Travis McLeod a wildlife taxidermist brought back to like a duck before our eyes with his skills. In the following room, waterfowl carver Tony Kirby explained how he made his beautiful carvings while wildlife artists Gina Calocassides and wildlife photographers Michael and Teresa McGill discussed their crafts to eager festival goers.
Travis McLeod a wildlife taxidermist talks taxidermy with a festival goer.
(MyBayCity Photo by John Keuvelaar)
Waterfowl carver Tony Kirby shares his knowledge with a new carver.
(MyBayCity Photo by John Keuvelaar)
Wood carvers show off their beautiful artwork.
(MyBayCity Photo by John Keuvelaar)
Wildlife artists Gina Calocassidesis a bit camera shy but not shy about talking about her artwork.
(MyBayCity Photo by John Keuvelaar)
Vendors were also present offering anything from hunting trips, to hunting products, to nature portraits and even unique bird houses. There was much more as well and was a great way of experiencing as well as exposing one?s self to the fun and adventure of the outdoor. This is an event well worth marking your calendar for next year not to miss.
Bob Redmond (left) and company talk about the tower restoration project at Topico Marsh.
(MyBayCity Photo by John Keuvelaar)
You can watch wildlife feed behind the glass.
(MyBayCity Photo by John Keuvelaar)
John Keuvelaar
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John Keuvelaar is a college student at Midwest Photography Workshops and Delta College.
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