ATLANTA — Archery deer hunting season is now underway in Georgia, according to the state’s Department of Natural Resources.

Lee Taylor, chief of game management in the Wildlife Resources Division, said hunters have nearly one million acres of public hunting areas available across the state. “Last year we had 86,000 archery hunters harvest about 40,000 deer, so we’re excited to kick off the season,” Taylor said.

The department is reminding hunters to review current regulations for specific wildlife management area hunting dates before heading out. Taylor noted that residents in metro Atlanta also have several nearby options to take part in the season.

With daylight saving time beginning in early November, deer activity becomes more noticeable, Taylor added. “People will see a lot more deer driving to work and home from work,” he said, explaining that the increase in sightings doesn’t necessarily mean the population has grown.