You have an AR that does automatic?

Damn

Cause there aren't many of those and one will run you well over $20k

Fine, semi-automatic (I wear my awful skills as a soldier as a badge of honour).

Still, I have never seen a PH (professional hunter) need a semi-automatic assault rifle to shoot a buck.

Dont know what you call need but lots of ppl hunt with semi autos these days. Even if its squirrel youll find them with a mini 14 not a bolt or lever action. Possible exception is kiddie 22 rifles for 8-12 year olds. Bolt, lever, etc to be in the rly pricey hunting rifles like creedmoor.

Also i never met somebody who go hunting with an assault rifle. Good few use ARs though cause theyre super common. Theres a dozen cartridges "better" for hunting but that means a new pricey rifle and pricier ammo. .30-30 will run you a buck a round, .223 like 30 cents. And 3030 is not by a long shot the priciest hunting round.