A group of Dene trappers in the La Loche area say they are unhappy with what they are alleging is restricted access to traditional hunting lands.

The trappers, who are from Ducharme, are threatening to blockade Highway 955, about 8 kilometres north of La Loche.

In a press release, the trappers accuse oil companies of destroying the local environment.

They say the blockade will prevent these companies from accessing nearby exploration camps.

Some of the companies conducting oil and mineral exploration in the area include Purepoint Uranium Group, NexGen Energy and Cenovus.