We recently had a pack move in close to our place. We live in town now so we aren't allowed to shoot them but we have had bears here. One tried to break in to our neighbours place a few years back and the police shot it in the back alley.
Mine stay safely in the case until hunting season. Grouse, geese, duck, bear, moose and rabbit are all on the menu here. I don't see the reason to own an AR. Here they're classified as "restricted" Firearms. You need a separate license to own one - the same to own a handgun. Very strict set of rules, regulations and paperwork just to own and transport.
I do own an SKS however. Great for short range deer. I'm sure I could drop a calf with it but I wouldn't. I use it mostly for plinking a few times a year and eliminating pests when we use to live out of town. A fun gun to shoot and ammo is close in price as that of a .22.