I live in northeastern MS and know from family members that there are some good hunting grounds here (particularly from an uncle, who dropped a 21 point about 4 years ago around here, among other mounts he's gotten over the years). Anyway, I'm collecting advice from as many sources as I can before jumping into it.

If these are already answered I'm sorry, I have dial up so it's pretty hard to just search though tons of pages.

My key questions are:

Advantages/disadvantages of shotguns and rifles? (I already own a Remington 870 12 gauge but have no rifle except a '76 model Ruger 22)
Is still hunting a good way to begin? (I'd rather not invest in a stand just yet)
What is the minimum caliber of rifle?
Can you hunt without dogs during dog season?

Thanks in advance guys! This is actually my first post here period...