many hunters prefer the AR-15 for good reasons

[Pete]

Many hunters prefer using AR-15–style rifles because of their versatility, accuracy, wide variety of available features, and wide variety of calibers. Collapsible stocks are convenient for hunters who pack their rifles into remote hunting locations or for length of pull adjustments to fit any sized hunter. Construction with lightweight polymers and corrosion-resistant alloys makes these rifles preferred for hunting in moist environments with less concern about rusting or warping wood stocks. Positioning of the AR-15 safety is an improvement over traditional bolt action hunting rifles. Many states require hunters to use reduced-capacity magazines. If a hunter misses with a first shot, the self-loading feature enables rapid follow-up shots against dangerous animals like feral pigs or rapidly moving animals like jackrabbits. Hunters shooting larger game animals often use upper receivers and barrels adapted for larger cartridges or heavier bullets. Several states prohibit the use of .22 caliber cartridges like the .223 Remington on large game.

wiki

[Shred]

.223 is only suitable for small animals, it is unsuitable for large animals such as deer, moose or bears.

.30-06 Springfield, .303 British, 7.92mm Mauser, .308 Winchester, .338 Lapua Magnum are suitable calibres for humanely hunting large animals.
Ok, it is possible to get AR-10 type self loading rifles in 7.62mm NATO and that calibre has sufficient power to fell even a polar bear in one shot.

But a .223 AR-15? No way.
Wouldn't be humane, too much risk of wounding an animal and leaving it in agony.

If anyone is going to hunt, it's necessary to have the right tool for the job.
It's also necessary to have a strong stomach as it means bleeding the animals and the cutting animals up to remove the bits you can't eat, including the bowels and bladders of felled animals.

This is a Mauser M12 in .308:

If I were a hunter, this looks the business.

You should never have to fire a second shot at the same animal, if it's necessary, the job was not done properly.

Bolt actions are the best for hunting at range.

[Pete]

Many states ban .223 for deer hunting.

A wild hog charging you might require more than one shot. He's not going to wait

[Shred]

Glad .223 is banned for deer hunting in many states.

And if a wild hog is charging, I agree follow up shots might be required.
And I'd want iron sights or a red dot rather than a scope, to make aiming simpler.

At close range, a shotgun would probably be a good choice.
A pump action, semi automatic or a double barrel 12 bore loaded with bullets.