The best archery tag to go for is A-24, Monterey late-season either-sex archery only. You will hunt some of the most beautiful, and if you choose, rugged, country in California, and have a great chance at a deer.
Not all archery seasons for the general zone hunts are by a lottery. They offer many lottery special hunts (like A-24 above). But for the general archery seasons, you just contact the DF&G and tell 'em which zone you want to hunt. Some zones are harder to get tags for, but many are pretty easy. Go to their website and study the zones, as there are many.
I, personally, have never had a negative experience with DF&G, and I grew up rural, with encounters. I've always found them helpful and friendly, though with our population, they don't get to be game wardens so much as cops. It's a tough gig, and their union really gets them bad deals, too.
As for hogs, it depends on the guide. We have a lot of 'em, but they are on private land, mostly.