I used one in afg early on for some applications. It can absolutely be done, but it depends on the type of hunting you are doing. Since I do a lot of my hunting at moderately close ranges from ladder stands, sometimes support just isn't there, and windows for opportunity are often short, so for me a light bolt action sporter or lever gun is usually a better answer for the 1 shot I will hopefully get the opportunity to fire. The additional bulk of something like a heavier military style autoloader, and the kind of "loud" safety on a M14 based rifle isn't helpful for an offhand shot.