Welcome to bowhunting in Southern California!
Archery Only tags (AO) are unlimited in this state and allow you to hunt all of the different zones here in Southern Cal. There are also two area specific archery hunts (Los Angeles County Either-Sex Archery & San Diego Either-Sex Archery) that must be applied for before the drawing deadline......but they are 100% drawn if in by the deadline. Since you can arrow two deer a year here, you can apply for one of each (AO & A31) and hunt from September to December 31st in the same area.
If you want to venture N/E of here.....towards the Sierras, you'll need to put in for those zones during the draw, as they are limited and more sought after. It may take you a few points to draw.....but you have a chance your first time depending on which hunt you apply for.
Applications and regs usually come out the end of April and into May. Deadline is usually the first week of June.
As for bowhunting down here, I HIGHLY suggest you join the California Bowmen Hunters (CBH) and get into a local archery club. There are several throughout Southern California. You'll meet other archers and learn some areas to hunt as well.
PM me for info on CBH if needed. Welcome again.....hope to see you at the CBH State Broadhead 3D shoot on Memorial Day weekend.....it's at the Oranco Bowmen range right here in Southern California (Prado Park area near Corona). Good opportunity to meet some of the best bowhunters in the State.
BOHNTR )))---------->