Hunt unit · Ohio River Islands National Wildlife Refuge

Neal Island Hunt Unit Map & Access

Special regsPermit required

The Neal Island unit is one of 30 mapped hunt units on Ohio River Islands National Wildlife Refuge in Wood County, WV. It covers approximately 104 acres and is listed as “open – special regulations apply” for 2026–2027. That means hunting is permitted, but refuge-specific rules — such as limited species, dates, weapon types, access methods or quota permits — apply on top of state regulations. A refuge permit is required.

Navigate to unit Refuge overview Official hunt info ↗
104acres
Special regsstatus 2026–27
Yesrefuge permit
Wood Countycounty

Neal Island map

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OpenSpecial regulationsClosedFWS-owned landWPA (public)Refuge boundaryEasement (private) Tip: switch to Satellite or USGS Topo in the layer menu · click the map for GPS coordinates
Downloads (whole refuge):KMLGPX

Rules & permits for this unit

Status: Open – special regulations apply

Hunting is allowed, but refuge-specific rules apply in addition to Ohio regulations. Typical special regulations include limited species or seasons, quota/lottery permits, weapon restrictions (e.g. archery or shotgun only), shooting-hour limits, blind or stand rules and restricted access.

Refuge permit required. Type: Signed Brochure or Similar. Obtain via: Kiosk, Mail, Online FWS, Visitor Center.

Hunting

Game at Ohio River Islands NWR

Species listed for the refuge as a whole — a special-regulation unit may be limited to certain species. Confirm in the hunt brochure.

Getting to the Neal Island unit

Navigate

Destination: center of the Neal Island unit

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Decimal
39.30236, -81.56019
DMS
39°18′08.5″N 81°33′36.7″W

Nearest towns

  • Parkersburg, WV2.2 mi N of town
  • Marietta, OH10 mi SW of town
  • Charleston, WV66 mi N of town

Straight-line distances. Driving routes are longer; many refuge roads are gravel and may close seasonally.

The navigation point is a point inside the unit polygon, not necessarily a parking area or legal access point. Use satellite view to find roads, gates and designated parking, and respect closed areas and private inholdings.

Shooting hours at this unit

Today at Neal Island

Legal light*–
Sunrise–
Sunset–

*½ hour before sunrise — the standard federal shooting-hour start for migratory game birds. Times in New York local time.

Full season calculator →

2026–2027 season sun table

DateShooting lightSunriseSunsetDaylight
Tue, Sep 1, 20266:23 AM6:53 AM7:59 PM13h 05m
Tue, Sep 15, 20266:36 AM7:06 AM7:36 PM12h 31m
Thu, Oct 1, 20266:50 AM7:20 AM7:10 PM11h 50m
Thu, Oct 15, 20267:04 AM7:34 AM6:49 PM11h 14m
Sun, Nov 1, 20266:23 AM6:53 AM5:26 PM10h 34m
Sun, Nov 15, 20266:39 AM7:09 AM5:12 PM10h 04m
Tue, Dec 1, 20266:56 AM7:26 AM5:04 PM9h 38m
Tue, Dec 15, 20267:08 AM7:38 AM5:04 PM9h 26m
Fri, Jan 1, 20277:15 AM7:45 AM5:12 PM9h 27m
Fri, Jan 15, 20277:14 AM7:44 AM5:25 PM9h 41m
Mon, Feb 1, 20277:03 AM7:33 AM5:44 PM10h 11m

Computed for 39.302, -81.560 (EDT / DST-aware). Check state rules — big game hours vary.

Weather forecast

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Forecast from the National Weather Service. Wind direction matters — plan your approach downwind of where game beds.

Other units at Ohio River Islands NWR

UnitStatusAcresPermit
Broadback IslandSpecial regs127Required
Buckley IslandSpecial regs240Required
Buckley MainlandSpecial regs14Required
Buffington IslandSpecial regs251Required
Captina IslandSpecial regs82Required
Captina Mainland TractSpecial regs123Required
Fish Creek IslandSpecial regs147Required
Georgetown IslandSpecial regs50Required
Grandview IslandSpecial regs94Required
Grape/Bat IslandSpecial regs114Required
Letart IslandSpecial regs94Required
Manchester #1 IslandSpecial regs124Required
Manchester #2 IslandSpecial regs257Required
Middle IslandSpecial regs184Required
Mill Creek IslandSpecial regs77Required
Muskingum IslandSpecial regs293Required
Paden IslandSpecial regs128Required
Phillis IslandSpecial regs39Required
Wells IslandSpecial regs125Required
Williamson IslandSpecial regs216Required
Witten TowheadSpecial regs45Required
Buckley Mainland ClosedClosed94Required
Buffalo Creek TractClosed19Required
Crab IslandClosed5.6Required
Gallipolis IslandClosed75Required
Middle Island ClosedClosed131Required
Muskingum MainlandClosed18Required
Upper Twin IClosed71Required
Wheeling IslandClosed13Required

Back to Ohio River Islands NWR →