I am exactly where you are on this, Jack and I'm glad Peace put up the item on converting an AK. However, that process doesn't get you a semi-automatic option. You can do a bit more sophisticated job of conversion by doing something similar with the sear and messing with the side of the receiver, so that the selector switch has a "fully automatic" setting as well as semi-automatic" and "safe". The same thing can be done with the M-16 commercial variants, like the AR-14, but they are more finely machined so it is quite a bit harder.

The failure to extend the ban on assault weapons basically has put mil-spec weaponry on the street. I doubt very much that many of the people carrying them meet the "member of a 'well-organized militia'" requirement of the Second Amendment. I expect that it is possible that somewhere in the US there is somebody who hunts with his AK, but that isn't what they are designed for, and a purpose-built hunting rifle will do a much better job of it.