Help picking my deer weapon.

[Irishfisher]

Since you are just starting out, no need to spend too much. Put a 3x9 scope on your AR and get some Barnes 70gr TSX lead free ammo. If you don't reload, you may have to put out some effort to find the ammo or someone to reload it for you.

[The War Wagon]

In CA? I suspect this is pretty much what you're reduced to.