General Information Mississippi, the Magnolia State, comprises 46,914 square miles bordering Alabama to the east, Louisiana and Arkansas to the west and south, Tennessee to the north, and a slim coastal border of the Gulf of Mexico in the southeast. Providing ample freshwater and saltwater opportunities, as well as a broad range of hunting species, Mississippi's climate and diversity make it a popular outdoor destination. Capital City: Jackson Largest City: Jackson National Parks and Forests: Baldwin Natchez Trace Parkway National Park Bienville National Forest Brice's Crossroads National Battlefield Site Delta National Forest De Soto National Forest Gulf Islands National Seashore Holly Springs National Forest Homochitto National Forest Jeff Busby National Park Tombigbee National Forest Tupelo National Battlefield Vicksburg National Battefield Site Sport Fishing Mississippi's inland waters range in size and diversity, from four large north-central flood-control reservoirs in the Delta Lakes region to darkwater streams, man-made lakes, and tributaries of the Pascagoula River in the southern part of the state. In sections along the eastern boundary and the south-central region, fishing waters are more limited. The most popular species in the Delta Lakes region is crappie, though bass, bream, sauger, and catfish are in abundance. Southern delta fishing is more varied, with excellent panfishing and largemouth bass. The Mississippi Gulf Coast is 90 miles long and offers the most diversity in species and challenge. The Wolf, Pascagoula, and Biloxi rivers enter the Gulf of Mexico, offering black bass, spotted sea trout, and channel bass. Other species in Mississippi Sound include sea trout, flounder, whiting, bluefish, red drum, and tripletail. Offshore islands like Chandeleur, Ship, Horn, and Cat islands are perfect places for surf fishing, offering fly-in adventure from Mississippi charter planes at Gulfport. Hunting Mississippi has over two million acres of national forest land and 23,000 acres of state park land, with abundant outdoor opportunities throughout the state for a number of game species. With long, hot summers and mild winters, the Mississippi climate is a welcome change for northern waterfowl and game hunters. Popular species include white-tailed deer, wild turkey, raccoon, opossum, bobcat, bobwhite quail, rabbit, squirrel, dove, and teal. For information on licensing, seasons, limits, rules and regulations, please contact the Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries and Game at 1-800-5G0-HUNT, or visit the Mississippi Hunting Information website.