Safe Hunting Tips for AR Platform Rifles

The firearm or bow you prefer for hunting is a crucial decision. Depending on the game you like to hunt and your technique, the right rifle or bow can help you bring home more wild game for your freezer each season. 

AR-15s have become a preferred choice for many hunters. They are useful in almost any weather and can be accurate for hunting a variety of different game. 

Today, we share a brief history of AR-15 rifles and how to use them effectively (and safely) for hunting this season. 

The History of Using AR Platform Rifles for Hunting

The history of hunting firearms in the United States has been tied to technology developed for our military since the Civil War. Before that, our armed citizens used their hunting rifles and muskets to fight when they joined the militia!

However, with the introduction of Spencer and Henry lever-action rifles during the 1860s, the stage was set for "military" rifles to become the new hunting guns because that's where the newest technology was applied. 

That was particularly true of the Mauser and 1903 Springfield bolt-action rifles developed for World War I. Bolt-action rifles became the standard hunting rifle because of their inherent accuracy – and partially because the .30-06 cartridge is still one of the world's most useful all-around hunting rounds.

Today's Modern Sporting Rifles Are Widely Used for Hunting

So, it should be no surprise that the AR-15/AR-10 platform rifles (also known as Modern Sporting Rifles or MSRs) have become the top-selling rifles in the United States over the past 15 years. 

Our modern soldiers are most familiar with them from their service, and that's what they want to use for their sporting pursuits, too. Many people use them today for everything from varmint hunting to big game hunting. 

You can find plenty of information about the best AR-10 rifle for hunting – or even for deer hunting – and about which caliber is best for hunting with an AR-15. 

It's also important to understand the unique differences between hunting with an AR vs. hunting with a bolt-action or lever-action rifle. Obviously, there are some mechanical differences and some differences in effectively using an MSR for hunting.

Tips for Hunting With AR/MSR Rifles

What should you know about hunting with an AR rifle for a safe and successful hunt? We created an infographic as a handy guide to help you remember a few things that can make you effective and safe while hunting with an AR this year. 

You can use this graphic to teach your kids, and you can even print it and laminate it for use as a checklist each day when you head into the field. AR/MSR rifles will become more and more common in the woods and fields because hunters can customize them for almost any type of hunting and shooting. 

Plus, they're fun and effective. Just make sure you keep these AR hunting tips in mind. 

Apply These Tips and Hunter Education for a Safe Hunt

If you're ready to take your AR rifle out for your next hunt, we hope this information has been helpful! We also hope you have your hunter safety certification before heading out into the field. 

A state-approved course through Hunter-Ed helps you follow good firearm safety best practices, identify your safe zone of fire, hone your hunting skills and shot placement, and keep yourself and others safe! Plus, many states require everyone to have a hunter education certification before purchasing a license. 

Whether you hunt with a rifle or a bow, find the course for your state and start learning. Good hunting!

Originally published November 10, 2014. Content updated May 22, 2023.