First Nations protesters are warning moose hunters to expect more blockades in a popular hunting area south of Dease Lake in northwestern B.C.

The Tahltan Council wants to stop what they call the "open season" on moose in their traditional territories — in the northern reaches of the Skeena hunting area, Region Six — and are worried about over-hunting.

The first blockade was put up on Sept. 24 on Klappan Road at Highway 37, 100 kilometres south of Dease Lake, but protesters say moose hunters should brace for more blockades.

At issue is the Tahltan's belief that the moose population in the region is at risk.

"We're not wanting to take away people's right to hunt," said Tahltan Council chair Anita McPhee. "We're just trying to have limited hunting entry regulations implemented and the length of the season shortened, and this hasn't happened."

The area has an open season on moose hunting. In other parts of B.C., hunters have to enter a draw with a limited chance to win a ticket that would allow them to hunt moose.

One northern B.C. native band says there should be limits to hunting moose in their traditional territories. (Submitted by Dixie Boyd)Talks between the Tahltan Council and the provincial government are at a standstill.

The province says its biologists have found the moose population in the area to be healthy.

Environment Minister Barry Penner said the government is willing to talk, on one condition.

"I've made it clear that we won't have any face to face site meetings until the roadblocks come down," he said.

However, the council says it will only put down the roadblocks if the minister promises to speak with them personally.