AUGUSTA – Gov. Angus S. King has declared Sept. 27 “Hunting and Fishing Day in Maine.”

More than 200,000 licensed hunters contributed more than $7 million to fund wildlife conservation and enforcement, education and hunter safety programs in 1996. The state’s 250,000 fishing license holders supported fish stocking and management programs as well as fishing regulation enforcement with license fees of more than $6 million.

“Conserving our state’s natural and wildlife resources is one of the most important responsibilities we have to this and future generations of Maine people,” King said.