scouting for next deer hunt

[Sam .223]

i know this sound slike a hunting section question so bare with me. my buddy has his deer tag and wants to go scout the area where he's going. he asked if i'd go since he doesn't like to go out in the wooded areas alone. heres the gun part.. he wanted to know if i'd bring my rifle (carbon 15) for protection since there has been a ton of mountain lion activity in the area. he's going into the Santa Rosa mountains in So Cal so i was wondering what the rules for carrying that type of gun in a non hunt e and situation would be and how do i find out if there is a lead ban there or not?

[parcours]

I guess the question is, are you going to be considered as hunting also, I would say yes, according to DFG. You can hunt with a C15, but you must have a deer tag for that area and a valid hunting lic, at least a hunting lic if not during deer season.

You also have to consider, scouting depending on what season is open could be considered hunting if you have a loaded weapon, thus a hunting lic is required. Some areas are open to firearms only during hunting season.

As to the lead ban, you need to look at the DFG website and determine of the zone and area you are hunting requires non-lead ammo.