[Durus]

An AK is heavier and inherently less accurate than most hunting rifles. 7.62x39 ballistics are just slightly worse than the 30-30...so that isn't great.

A modest used bolt action or lever actions rifle is about the same money as an AK so cost isn't really a factor.

So really the only reason to use an AK for hunting is for the challenge. I respect that. It's like using 2 lb test line for trout.

[Last Dakotan]

We hunt in the Badlands of Western North Dakota in a real remote area.

Primarily we are after Mule deer, but you can pull an any anterless tag and go after whitetails too.
You seem to be either shooting very long range from butte to butte or very short as you flush them out of ravines and creek beds.

For the distance work, scoped .270 Win Remington 700's or Ruger M77's are the preferred tool.

Short jobs require a quick carbine. So either Ruger Mini-30's or AKs do the job quite well.
I've dropped into thickly wooded ravines so tight you can only carry a handgun.