Another Mason County access is the Point Pleasant ramp off SRs 2 and 62. This ramp also provides access to the Ohio River. This is a large, three-lane ramp for all boats, with a nearby 80-space parking lot.

In Putnam County, waterfowl hunters can obtain access to the Kanawha just off SR 62 in the city of Buffalo. This is an all-boats ramp with a 50-space parking lot.

And the Raymond City ramp is off SR 62, a half mile west of the city of Poco. It is a two-lane ramp with handicap parking available.

During a midwinter hunt on the Kanawha, heavy clothing and bulky gloves can make for some difficult gunning. Many consistent river waterfowl hunters make it a practice to wear foul-weather gear when practice shooting. Actual conditions will often require kneeling and sitting positions when shooting, and being able to sight and shoot while wearing heavy gear will increase the odds of bringing home more birds.

OHIO RIVER (Parkersburg To Huntington)
The middle section of the Ohio River reported, by far, the largest number of birds in the most recent survey. There was a total count of 4,193 ducks and 536 geese. Geese usually dominate this section of the river during the midwinter count. During the 2004 survey, 936 geese were reported on this same stretch of the Ohio with ducks numbering 627.

On the lower Ohio River, last year's duck count totaled 687, with the geese numbering 265. In 2004, geese numbers totaled 2,077 and ducks came in at 817. Overall, the Ohio River provides the best waterfowl opportunities, and this is due primarily to the size and accessibility of this waterway. This broad band of moving water gives birds a roadmap, which is bordered by excellent resting and feeding locations.

For Wood County hunters, access to the Ohio River is provided at the Belleville ramp. This ramp is at Old Lock 20 at the end of county Road 2/5. This is a one-lane all-boats ramp with a 20-space parking lot nearby.

In Jackson County, the Ravenswood ramp provides good access just off SR 68 in Ravenswood. A spacious four-lane ramp with a 50-space parking area close by gives hunters plenty of room to get on the water. Restrooms and potable water are also available at this location.

The Mason ramp in Mason County gives Ohio River access off U.S. Route 33 at the end of Pomeroy Street in the city of Mason. This is an all-boats single-lane ramp with a 25-space parking lot. Restrooms and a courtesy dock are at this location.

Cabell County hunters can access the river at the Guyandotte Ramp. This ramp is off SR 2 on Bridge Street in the Guyandotte section of Huntington. This all-boats ramp with a 60-space parking lot gives waterfowl hunters in the Huntington area good access to the birds on this stretch of the Ohio River.

Weather fronts are critical to launching and finding the birds on the Ohio River at this time of year. Birds seek out differing types of food and shelter when strong winter winds start blowing. Finding where the birds travel on this big river in clear skies, as well as during times of rain or snow, will put the odds in favor of the hunter.

PLEASANT CREEK MARSH (Near Tygart Lake)
The lowest number of birds counted in this year's survey was at Pleasant Creek Marsh near Tygart Lake. Only 17 ducks and five geese were reported at this location. In recent years, the largest number counted in the midwinter survey was in 2002 when 86 ducks and 150 geese were tallied.