All of my info is from when I was stationed down there. I left four yrs ago. So some of it may be incorrect due to recent changes. Please verify before using my info.
Lead bullets are banned in certain areas.
I would take a look at the CA Dept of Justice website for a list of banned guns and specific requirements. I would not take any AR, AK or anything similar down there.
Deer hunting is by draw by zone and weapon. However you can use a bow during rifle season but not vice versa. If tags are available you can get a second one after the draw.
I loved it because the zone I archery hunted was open from Labor day to mid October then it was rifle season for about 30 days and then late bow season opened mid Nov to the end of the year. Only problem was the overlap of rifle and bow. But with the long season I just skipped those two weeks.
If you are military you can hunt some bases but there are some hurdles to jump but it's not too bad. Fort Hunter lligget, camp Pendleton, and Vandenberg are three that I know for sure.
The CA DFG website is pretty easy to navigate and they have some decent publications.
