I’m new to archery, but have hunted in California for years; all spot and stalk. The most important things are wind/scent control and good optics. I hunt in the Trinity Alps and the wind in my area always comes down the hillside in the morning before sunrise. Since the deer are at the bottom and work their way toward the top to bed, this forces the hunter to stay at the bottom of the hill and view the bucks/pigs high on the hill. As you spot them bedding down at sunrise and start your stalk, you have to be quiet, yet fast. Since you have about 1200 feet in elevation to gain to get to their bedding area you have to do it quick because when the sun rises and hits the mountain the wind starts getting turbulent then the wind will change direction 180 degrees and start drawing your scent up hill and right into their nose. There are hardly any trees in this area (all granite rock), so this is how it has to be done. Tree stands can be used in other areas, but with walking in several miles with a 60 pound pack, hauling a tree stand is out of the question. I’m learning about a couple areas that a tree stand would be great when the bucks get spooked; however, I still have the problem of hauling the tree stand in several miles. I’m planning to just spot and stalk most of the time or set-up an ambush in heavy traffic areas. I couldn’t imagine sitting in a tree stand all day waiting, I think I would go nuts, especially if a big buck was just out of range. In short, pick an area you want to hunt and study the wind currents and the time of day they change, buy good optics for long range spotting and practice shooting your bow at longer than normal ranges. That would be my advice for California.