Well sirs, lots of hunters use the AR type platform in the field these days.
A 30 caliber AR10 makes a first-rate deer rifle, and loaded the right way, elk rifle.
They're compact, easy to carry, heart-sized groups at 200 yards, can reach farther with the right shooter, very durable, and a man can build his own. A 22 caliber AR15 can be barreled and chambered up to deer, elk, and hog calibers with the same attributes as an AR10, only lighter and swifter. 
I have seen men carrying AK47s during season, also.
I had the good fortune to deer and elk hunt with an 1895 Winchester when I was young, 
and an M1 Garand a little later. Both rifles military and both appropriate for the prey.
Go afield, you will encounter many semi-auto current and past military rifles and calibers.
Mostly, I only load and shoot 30.06 these days, a superb and ancient military caliber.