There is a love-hate relationship between outdoorsmen and ATVs. And even those that love them - sometimes hate them.

But really we're talking about the operators not the machines, right? After all - ATVs are not only fun, but useful, and sometimes essential. I am heading to an ATV access cabin in June to do some fishing, and the only conceivable way my buddies and I can get our gear in is via machine.

That's why Western Sportsman is teaming up with the Alberta Off Highway Vehicle Association and Polaris to do an article on responsible, safe off-roading.

Polaris was good enough to lend us one of their new Ranger HD to test -- and we'll be accompanied by an Alberta Off Highway Vehicle Association rep. Our goal? To take the "hate" out of the love-hate relationship.

Talk to you in two weeks - I'm on vacation.