Game Animals
DeerOne of the most plentiful game species in Mississippi is the white-tailed deer. It can be found in a variety of habitats. Overpopulation of this species can cause an increase in car accidents and damage to forests and agricultural fields |
DoveAlthough the mourning dove is a migratory bird, many doves stay in Mississippi year-round. This popular game bird requires open ground and fields for gathering food and trees and shrubs for roosting and nesting. |
DucksAlthough the mourning dove is a migratory bird, many doves stay in Mississippi year-round. This popular game bird requires open ground and fields for gathering food and trees and shrubs for roosting and nesting. |
RabbitThe Eastern cottontail rabbit is can be found in open grassy fields and dense growth along fields and woodland edges. Its habitat has been reduced due to industrialized farming, loss of native plants, and the introduction of invasive species. |
SquirrelsIn Mississippi, there are two types of squirrels: the gray squirrel and the fox squirrel. Both are very common and live in trees in urban, suburban, forest, and park environments. They eat a variety of foods including nuts, fungi, and plants. |
TurkeyThe Eastern wild turkey requires a variety of habitats to thrive including open lands and forested areas. Foods include seeds, fruits, insects, and plants. Ample cover is required to improve chances of survival and nesting success. |
QuailThe Northern Bobwhite Quail is an upland game bird. Populations have declined due to habitat loss from industrialized agriculture and forestry, loss of native plants, and the introduction of invasive species. |
Mississippi has many small and large game animals. Some of the more popular game birds include the upland game bird Northern Bobwhite Quail, the Mourning Dove, the Eastern Wild Turkey, and several ducks. While bobwhite quail populations are declining, turkeys and doves are more abundant. Small game mammals include gray squirrels and rabbits; the only large game mammal in Mississippi is the white-tailed deer.
Business Resources • Manage Your Land • Demonstration Areas 
Mississippi State University • Mississippi State University Extension Service • MSU-ES Department of Wildlife and Fisheries
Forest and Wildlife Research Center • Mississippi Agricultural and Forestry Experiment Station • Division of Agriculture, Forestry, and Veterinary Medicine