newbie :)
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Please post political post in the new Politics forum.
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- Levergunner
- Posts: 43
- Joined: Wed Mar 19, 2008 10:53 pm
- Location: So Cal
newbie :)
Hi all,
I'm a stay at home mom currently residing in So Cal. I asked a fellow member on a horse forum I'm on about the gun forums he's a member of and, well, here I am
I have not hunted since I was a teen/young adult and wanting to get back into hunting.
I remember going with my uncle on a couple hunts (he had a large private property up in Oregon), though I never did get a deer, he did infect me with a love of hunting
When I went hunting, my uncle supplied me with a rifle and he mainly focused on teaching me hunting safety, safely handling the rifle, target shooting/sighting that specific rifle before we went on the hunt, etc.
Before I invest in a hunting rifle or two, I would like to learn about the different rifles and calibers. I will be taking a hunter safety course in the near future, but until I can get back into hunting, I need to start learning all I can.
And maybe, in the near future, I'll be finally bringing home that deer that eluded me in my younger years and be able to fill my freezer with venosin I harvested myself
I'm a stay at home mom currently residing in So Cal. I asked a fellow member on a horse forum I'm on about the gun forums he's a member of and, well, here I am
I have not hunted since I was a teen/young adult and wanting to get back into hunting.
I remember going with my uncle on a couple hunts (he had a large private property up in Oregon), though I never did get a deer, he did infect me with a love of hunting
When I went hunting, my uncle supplied me with a rifle and he mainly focused on teaching me hunting safety, safely handling the rifle, target shooting/sighting that specific rifle before we went on the hunt, etc.
Before I invest in a hunting rifle or two, I would like to learn about the different rifles and calibers. I will be taking a hunter safety course in the near future, but until I can get back into hunting, I need to start learning all I can.
And maybe, in the near future, I'll be finally bringing home that deer that eluded me in my younger years and be able to fill my freezer with venosin I harvested myself
Last edited by YellowHorse on Wed Mar 26, 2008 6:42 pm, edited 1 time in total.
- gamekeeper
- Spambot Zapper
- Posts: 17507
- Joined: Thu Sep 06, 2007 3:32 pm
- Location: Over the pond unfortunately.
- Griff
- Posting leader...
- Posts: 20892
- Joined: Sat Mar 31, 2007 4:56 pm
- Location: OH MY GAWD they installed a STOP light!!!
Welcome to The Forum. The answers to your questions are so varied and wide-ranging, I'd feel unqualified to recommend a particular answer. Many of your answers will be dependent on factors such as: where you plan to hunt, distances you'll feel comfortable taking game; amount of recoil you'll accept... almost ad nauseum... but, they will narrow down the field to where a particular gun and round will jump out and scream, "BUY ME!"
I will say, tho, (possibly because of my own particular prejudices and desires), you kanna go wrong with a Winchester 94 in the venerable .30-30. (A Marlin 336 in the same caliber would do in a pinch)! Yep, I'm a Winchester 94 fan! Tho' I also readily admit that such a choice will also make demands on your hunting prowess that some are unwilling to undertake. This is a point at which simply time in the woods (not necessarily in pursuit of game), at the range and study of deer habits and proclivities will stand you in better stead than any particular choice of firearm and cartridge. Locating a mentor is one of the best ways to learn and develope woodcraft, it will reduce the number of errors almost all hunters make, plus it will serve for an almost dis-interested party to observe and guide you as you develop both shooting and woodcraft skills.
I'm sure some will jump in with their favored deer slayer also! My apologies for being long winded.
I will say, tho, (possibly because of my own particular prejudices and desires), you kanna go wrong with a Winchester 94 in the venerable .30-30. (A Marlin 336 in the same caliber would do in a pinch)! Yep, I'm a Winchester 94 fan! Tho' I also readily admit that such a choice will also make demands on your hunting prowess that some are unwilling to undertake. This is a point at which simply time in the woods (not necessarily in pursuit of game), at the range and study of deer habits and proclivities will stand you in better stead than any particular choice of firearm and cartridge. Locating a mentor is one of the best ways to learn and develope woodcraft, it will reduce the number of errors almost all hunters make, plus it will serve for an almost dis-interested party to observe and guide you as you develop both shooting and woodcraft skills.
I'm sure some will jump in with their favored deer slayer also! My apologies for being long winded.
Griff,
SASS/CMSA #93
NRA Patron
GUSA #93
There is a fine line between hobby & obsession!
AND... I'm over it!!
No I ain't ready, but let's do it anyway!
SASS/CMSA #93
NRA Patron
GUSA #93
There is a fine line between hobby & obsession!
AND... I'm over it!!
No I ain't ready, but let's do it anyway!
Welcome YellowHorse,
I wish you much luck in your pursuit of that first deer. As you relate more info on where you are going to shoot, experience, how much time you have to shoot and such, I'm sure this forum will be able to hunt. There are many SoCal members here that would be glad to help you at the range and even shooting various options. A good starting point would be the Winchester '94 in 30-30 as Griff has mentioned. Keep asking questions and you will be sure to find that perfect rifle.
blessings
I wish you much luck in your pursuit of that first deer. As you relate more info on where you are going to shoot, experience, how much time you have to shoot and such, I'm sure this forum will be able to hunt. There are many SoCal members here that would be glad to help you at the range and even shooting various options. A good starting point would be the Winchester '94 in 30-30 as Griff has mentioned. Keep asking questions and you will be sure to find that perfect rifle.
blessings
Mike Johnson,
"Only those who will risk going too far, can possibly find out how far one can go." T.S. Eliot
"Only those who will risk going too far, can possibly find out how far one can go." T.S. Eliot
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- Advanced Levergunner
- Posts: 6972
- Joined: Tue Apr 03, 2007 8:52 pm
- Location: Ridgefield WA. USA
Welcome
You came to the right place to learn. The level of info here is top notch from every thing to single shots to those nasty auto loaders .
Where in SoCal are you? There are quite a few of us here from all over the state.
You came to the right place to learn. The level of info here is top notch from every thing to single shots to those nasty auto loaders .
Where in SoCal are you? There are quite a few of us here from all over the state.
Jeremy
GySgt USMC Ret
To err is human, To forgive is devine, Neither of which is Marine Corps policy
Semper Fidelis
GySgt USMC Ret
To err is human, To forgive is devine, Neither of which is Marine Corps policy
Semper Fidelis
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- Site Sponsor
- Posts: 2507
- Joined: Fri Sep 07, 2007 12:05 pm
- Location: Lampasas, Texas
- Contact:
Howdy from Texas Ms Yellowhorse. It's always refreshing to get the feminine view and thoughts on these guns we love.
As a gunsmith that caters to the Cowboy action shooter I have learned a few things about fitting guns to the lady shooters. For starters, fitting a butstock, the Length Of Pull (LOP) method of crook of the elbow to the trigger doesn't work well for most lady shooters. Females generally don't have the upper body strength that men do and they sometimes have these protrusions there on their chest that can get in the way as well. For those reasons it is generally better to make the stock anywhere from 1 1/2" to 2 1/2" less than the LOP method of crook of the elbow to the trigger. A general rule is your thumb should be about and 1â€
As a gunsmith that caters to the Cowboy action shooter I have learned a few things about fitting guns to the lady shooters. For starters, fitting a butstock, the Length Of Pull (LOP) method of crook of the elbow to the trigger doesn't work well for most lady shooters. Females generally don't have the upper body strength that men do and they sometimes have these protrusions there on their chest that can get in the way as well. For those reasons it is generally better to make the stock anywhere from 1 1/2" to 2 1/2" less than the LOP method of crook of the elbow to the trigger. A general rule is your thumb should be about and 1â€
Steve Young aka Nate Kiowa Jones Sass# 6765
Steve's Guns aka "Rossi 92 Specialists"
205 Antler lane
Lampasas, Texas 76550
http://www.stevesgunz.com
Email; steve@stevesgunz.com
Tel: 512-564-1015
Steve's Guns aka "Rossi 92 Specialists"
205 Antler lane
Lampasas, Texas 76550
http://www.stevesgunz.com
Email; steve@stevesgunz.com
Tel: 512-564-1015
Welcome,
For Deer huntin'
As Mike and Griff related, it's hard to beat a 30-30 for an entry level rifle.
A Browning BLR in .243 would also be a good one to consider....it's flatter shooting and reaches out a lttle better than a 30-30 for longer shots at game. I killed my first deer with a 30-30
Best wishes on your first succesful deer hunt...and Welcome.
For Deer huntin'
As Mike and Griff related, it's hard to beat a 30-30 for an entry level rifle.
A Browning BLR in .243 would also be a good one to consider....it's flatter shooting and reaches out a lttle better than a 30-30 for longer shots at game. I killed my first deer with a 30-30
Best wishes on your first succesful deer hunt...and Welcome.
Semper Fi
Re: newbie :)
Welcome Yellowhorse,
I am in a similar situation, single parent with two twenty something girls
still at home. I am in SoCal (Orange County) as well. I have been working
up to going hunting this year for the first time in over ten years. Never did
shoot my first deer either as my last hunting partner was the bull seen in
the China Shop. Just yesterday I picked up $50 in maps and now trying to
decide where to hunt. I will be calling DFG soon and narrowing things down.
If it's in the budget I would recommend getting a 22LR rifle and shoot
it alot to get in the practice. I have a 1908 Marlin 30-30 and a
1927 Marlin 22 that I have decided to use in my "first" year back hunting.
I will be heading out to the range again in a couple weeks to shoot the 22's
(I need to get them sighted properly) and I found that the silhouette course
is a fun way to do a fair amount of shooting (will be doing more of that
as well). I always enjoyed rabbit hunting and will look for rabbit areas
when I call DFG as well.
BTW if you shoot 22 or handgun ammo then you can shoot at most indoor
ranges as well (some have certain ammo restrictions).
If you are close to OC then you would be welcome to head out to the range, etc. with me.
If you want any additional help let me know (send a PM).
Jay
I am in a similar situation, single parent with two twenty something girls
still at home. I am in SoCal (Orange County) as well. I have been working
up to going hunting this year for the first time in over ten years. Never did
shoot my first deer either as my last hunting partner was the bull seen in
the China Shop. Just yesterday I picked up $50 in maps and now trying to
decide where to hunt. I will be calling DFG soon and narrowing things down.
If it's in the budget I would recommend getting a 22LR rifle and shoot
it alot to get in the practice. I have a 1908 Marlin 30-30 and a
1927 Marlin 22 that I have decided to use in my "first" year back hunting.
I will be heading out to the range again in a couple weeks to shoot the 22's
(I need to get them sighted properly) and I found that the silhouette course
is a fun way to do a fair amount of shooting (will be doing more of that
as well). I always enjoyed rabbit hunting and will look for rabbit areas
when I call DFG as well.
BTW if you shoot 22 or handgun ammo then you can shoot at most indoor
ranges as well (some have certain ammo restrictions).
If you are close to OC then you would be welcome to head out to the range, etc. with me.
If you want any additional help let me know (send a PM).
Jay
KI6WZU
NRA member
"When they call the roll in the Senate, the Senators do not know whether to answer 'present' or 'not guilty.'"
--President Theodore Roosevelt (1858-1919)
“Democracy must be something more than two wolves and a sheep voting on what to have for dinner”
NRA member
"When they call the roll in the Senate, the Senators do not know whether to answer 'present' or 'not guilty.'"
--President Theodore Roosevelt (1858-1919)
“Democracy must be something more than two wolves and a sheep voting on what to have for dinner”
Welcome Miss Yellowhorse,
I guess now that we have a lady in the house we'll have to behave a little better. Some of us ain't exactly house broke yet. We'll try to do better.
I guess now that we have a lady in the house we'll have to behave a little better. Some of us ain't exactly house broke yet. We'll try to do better.
If you're gonna be stupid ya gotta be tough-
Isiah 55:8&9
It's easier to fool people than it is to convince them they have been fooled.
Isiah 55:8&9
It's easier to fool people than it is to convince them they have been fooled.
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- Levergunner 2.0
- Posts: 373
- Joined: Sat Apr 07, 2007 9:39 am
- Location: Daytona Beach is Home
Welcome to the fire...
I don't suppose you come from an esteemed line of talented Navajo silversmiths?? I have several DY knives and love them.
Good luck in your endeavors. Like others have said, you will find all the information you need right here, and we have members scattered all over SoCal from San Diego to OC, LA, and Lancaster.
If you are planning on hunting right here in your backyard, be prepared for a lot of time investment and hard hunting. These are tough mountains and wily little deer. If you are going out of state, you'll be much better off (although poorer).
Without knowing anything about your plans, size, recoil sensitivity, etc., it's hard to make recommendation. But the .243, .260, .308, 30-30 and 35 Rem would all be perfectly adequate for our little SoCal deer, all with low to moderate recoil.
I don't suppose you come from an esteemed line of talented Navajo silversmiths?? I have several DY knives and love them.
Good luck in your endeavors. Like others have said, you will find all the information you need right here, and we have members scattered all over SoCal from San Diego to OC, LA, and Lancaster.
If you are planning on hunting right here in your backyard, be prepared for a lot of time investment and hard hunting. These are tough mountains and wily little deer. If you are going out of state, you'll be much better off (although poorer).
Without knowing anything about your plans, size, recoil sensitivity, etc., it's hard to make recommendation. But the .243, .260, .308, 30-30 and 35 Rem would all be perfectly adequate for our little SoCal deer, all with low to moderate recoil.
Chad
Welcome, the caliber you use for hunting will be dictated by what the terrain is. 99% of hunting is walking in the woods. So start by exploring where you want to hunt . Once you settled on a place where you see game and think would be good for hunting. Choose a gun and caliber for that area, based on wood density and how far you'll be shooting. But until then get yourself a 22 and start plinking and take those kids out exploring.
Good Luck!
Good Luck!
- Ysabel Kid
- Moderator
- Posts: 27922
- Joined: Mon Sep 17, 2007 7:10 pm
- Location: South Carolina, USA
- Contact:
Welcome aboard!
Lots of very knowledgable folks here - and a few opinionated ones like me! Glad to see more ladies joining the discussion - and shooting in general!
I am not much of a hunter, so I will let others much more knowledgable than I chime in - especially from the southern CA area. However, I do know more deer have been taken in this country with the venerable .30-30 WCF leveraction than probably all other guns combined. You just can't go wrong with one.
Good luck! Keep us informed on your choice!
Lots of very knowledgable folks here - and a few opinionated ones like me! Glad to see more ladies joining the discussion - and shooting in general!
I am not much of a hunter, so I will let others much more knowledgable than I chime in - especially from the southern CA area. However, I do know more deer have been taken in this country with the venerable .30-30 WCF leveraction than probably all other guns combined. You just can't go wrong with one.
Good luck! Keep us informed on your choice!
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- Advanced Levergunner
- Posts: 4923
- Joined: Sat Dec 22, 2007 1:08 am
- Location: Arizona headed for New Mexico
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- Levergunner
- Posts: 43
- Joined: Wed Mar 19, 2008 10:53 pm
- Location: So Cal
Wow! I didn't expect such a response from so many people in such a short time
Thank you for all the great info everyone
and thanks for getting my account up and running hobie!
Nice lookin yeller hoss ya got there 20cows
I'll see if I can post a pic of Yellow Horse (yes, that is his name), my adopted wild mustang. This is his first time being ridden...
71fan, No Navajo, but I am Cree mixed with French on my mother's side. Thanks for the info on hunting deer here in Cali and suitible calibers. Looks llike I'm going to have to work fer my deer
I'm on the outskirts of Lancaster, so I'm pretty close to some of you here on this forum.
When I was hunting with my uncle, I was sighting in hunting ammo with his 30-06. I could take the recoil of that rifle, no problem. I was pretty strong "fer a girl" and probably quite a bit stronger now.
My first job was as an apprentice framer, and I currently train and work with wild horses. I butcher my own goats that we raise, I can buck a ton of hay, no problem, and I can hike hilly terrain all day from dawn till dusk.
No, I'm not a "girly girl," but I've been told I "clean up real good"
Thank you for all the great info everyone
and thanks for getting my account up and running hobie!
Nice lookin yeller hoss ya got there 20cows
I'll see if I can post a pic of Yellow Horse (yes, that is his name), my adopted wild mustang. This is his first time being ridden...
71fan, No Navajo, but I am Cree mixed with French on my mother's side. Thanks for the info on hunting deer here in Cali and suitible calibers. Looks llike I'm going to have to work fer my deer
I'm on the outskirts of Lancaster, so I'm pretty close to some of you here on this forum.
When I was hunting with my uncle, I was sighting in hunting ammo with his 30-06. I could take the recoil of that rifle, no problem. I was pretty strong "fer a girl" and probably quite a bit stronger now.
My first job was as an apprentice framer, and I currently train and work with wild horses. I butcher my own goats that we raise, I can buck a ton of hay, no problem, and I can hike hilly terrain all day from dawn till dusk.
No, I'm not a "girly girl," but I've been told I "clean up real good"
- Old Savage
- Posting leader...
- Posts: 16760
- Joined: Mon Sep 03, 2007 3:43 pm
- Location: Southern California
- Griff
- Posting leader...
- Posts: 20892
- Joined: Sat Mar 31, 2007 4:56 pm
- Location: OH MY GAWD they installed a STOP light!!!
Bsaride; might I suggest you look at X-10 if they're still using the same designations they in the 1980s. I had my most success in that zone. As almost ALL of CA is by draw, it's by the luck of the draw, but... that is a great zone. In 7 years of hunting that zone, I was successful 5 times.
Yellowhorse; as said by others, that exploring, time in the woods, and all is immeasurable in leading toward success. Was your prior hunting/shooting done with a scope? Most of the areas nearest you that I'm familiar with have some long shots available. If so, and given your prior experience with the .30-06, I'd be remiss if I didn't suggest a BLR in .308. Range is not a problem, nor is scope mounting, it remains a relatively light and handy rifle, and you should find recoil to be less than a .30-06. The BLR also has the added advantage that you can use pointed bullets that allow for better range. (Remember, you ARE on Leverguns, so most of us are a little pre-disposed to this action type.)
Yellowhorse; as said by others, that exploring, time in the woods, and all is immeasurable in leading toward success. Was your prior hunting/shooting done with a scope? Most of the areas nearest you that I'm familiar with have some long shots available. If so, and given your prior experience with the .30-06, I'd be remiss if I didn't suggest a BLR in .308. Range is not a problem, nor is scope mounting, it remains a relatively light and handy rifle, and you should find recoil to be less than a .30-06. The BLR also has the added advantage that you can use pointed bullets that allow for better range. (Remember, you ARE on Leverguns, so most of us are a little pre-disposed to this action type.)
Griff,
SASS/CMSA #93
NRA Patron
GUSA #93
There is a fine line between hobby & obsession!
AND... I'm over it!!
No I ain't ready, but let's do it anyway!
SASS/CMSA #93
NRA Patron
GUSA #93
There is a fine line between hobby & obsession!
AND... I'm over it!!
No I ain't ready, but let's do it anyway!
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- Levergunner
- Posts: 43
- Joined: Wed Mar 19, 2008 10:53 pm
- Location: So Cal
Hi Old Savage, nice to see someone out here in the same area.
Maybe I'll be seeing you around
Hi Griff,
I do have a membership to several private properties throughout Calif for hunting and fishing, so I do have access to being able to walk the property, often with just a days notice if no one else is already out there.
Right now I just have a fishing membership, but that will be easy to fix once I'm finally ready to go on my first hunt
Yeah, I kinda figured there would be a preference for them lever actions
The 30-06 I was using was a bolt action (if there's no such thing as a lever action 30-06, I wouldn't know ), but I did always like the levers, seemed more handy than the bolt
edit: Oh, I forgot to reply that no I never used a scope, but I guess I should learn.
Now let's see, which hunting properties am I interested in.......
Maybe I'll be seeing you around
Hi Griff,
I do have a membership to several private properties throughout Calif for hunting and fishing, so I do have access to being able to walk the property, often with just a days notice if no one else is already out there.
Right now I just have a fishing membership, but that will be easy to fix once I'm finally ready to go on my first hunt
Yeah, I kinda figured there would be a preference for them lever actions
The 30-06 I was using was a bolt action (if there's no such thing as a lever action 30-06, I wouldn't know ), but I did always like the levers, seemed more handy than the bolt
edit: Oh, I forgot to reply that no I never used a scope, but I guess I should learn.
Now let's see, which hunting properties am I interested in.......
Here's the Navajo silversmith reference, FYI. These are fantastic knives: http://www.yellowhorseltd.com/david%20yellowhorse.htm
Are you in Wilderness Unlimited? I've contemplated that a few times, but have never talked to anyone in it, except the salesman that came to my house a few years ago. He was a bit biased I suppose. I'd like to hear more about it but I don't want to hijack this thread. Do you mind if I PM you about it?YellowHorse wrote:I do have a membership to several private properties throughout Calif for hunting and fishing, so I do have access to being able to walk the property, often with just a days notice if no one else is already out there.
Right now I just have a fishing membership, but that will be easy to fix once I'm finally ready to go on my first hunt
Now let's see, which hunting properties am I interested in.......
Chad
It's a sortof rare treat that we get to welcome a lady. We tend to gush a little I guess.
Welcome back to the joy of shooting. No matter what else you get, you are going to want a .22LR rifle. They're just too much fun and too cheap to shoot for anybody not to have one or a few.
We here, of course, are fond of the leveraction but any is better than none.
What to hunt with will have a lot of questions to answer, but the .22 is a given, so that's where I'd start.
Welcome back to the joy of shooting. No matter what else you get, you are going to want a .22LR rifle. They're just too much fun and too cheap to shoot for anybody not to have one or a few.
We here, of course, are fond of the leveraction but any is better than none.
What to hunt with will have a lot of questions to answer, but the .22 is a given, so that's where I'd start.
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- Levergunner 2.0
- Posts: 309
- Joined: Mon Sep 03, 2007 2:45 pm
- Location: purt near in the middle of Ok.
Comin in a little late, but welcome.
You are in a unique posistion of being an out spoken member of the fair sex of Levergunners (there are a few, but not enough).
My idea would be to find a mdl you like, then find a caliber that fits your needs. There are so many options available nowdays, almost anything is possible.
My wife loves the 357, can handle the 45, 44, &45-70 but didn't like the 30-30 .
You are in a unique posistion of being an out spoken member of the fair sex of Levergunners (there are a few, but not enough).
My idea would be to find a mdl you like, then find a caliber that fits your needs. There are so many options available nowdays, almost anything is possible.
My wife loves the 357, can handle the 45, 44, &45-70 but didn't like the 30-30 .
grit yer teeth an pull the trigger
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- Levergunner
- Posts: 43
- Joined: Wed Mar 19, 2008 10:53 pm
- Location: So Cal
Yes, I have a membership in WU and No, I don't mind if you PM me, I'll gladly answer any Q's you have about it.71fan wrote:Are you in Wilderness Unlimited? I've contemplated that a few times, but have never talked to anyone in it, except the salesman that came to my house a few years ago. He was a bit biased I suppose. I'd like to hear more about it but I don't want to hijack this thread. Do you mind if I PM you about it?
And I had never heard of those knives. Nice looking series
Bsaride, Sorry I didn't see you post earlier, there's such large a reply that I must of skipped it (especially since my kids are always distracting me from the PC, LOL).
I think you would be a bit too far away
Though we are making a trip down to the gun show in Costa Mesa tomorrow (Sat). Don't know if you might be there...
Idahoser, I'll be looking around for one of those 22LRs,
Yes, homefront, I'll definately be posting a pic of my rifle when I get one
gon2shoot, I know the feeling all to well, I'll often be with a group of guys doing some work that you rarely see us girls do, construction, opperating a tractor or forklift, hunting, etc. I have a few funny stories to tell
20cows, I know about them pretty horses being better lookin than behaved. But I found this fella of mine and he's got a temperament as golden as his coat. He's a rare one, never met a palomino I liked until I got him.
Nice half Arab, I used to have an Arab, but she hated me so I gave her to my hubby whom she loved, she was a one man mare, LOL.