PORTLAND (AP) — State officials say fewer out-of-state hunters have been visiting Maine in recent years, which is having a negative impact on the economy.

While sales of hunting licenses rise nationally, the decline in Maine is causing a loss of revenue for the Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife and decreased income for sporting camps and hunting guides.

Department officials tell The Portland Press Herald that 9,000 fewer out-of-state hunters came to Maine last year than five years ago, when 35,301 non-residents bought licenses.

Department officials say the decline in out-of-state hunters caused a loss of $1.2 million in license fees for the state from 2006 through 2011.

The state and hunting guides blame the drop in hunters on a sharp decline in the deer population, caused in part by coyotes.