First off, welcome FMichael...
If you have a chance to shoot a friends AR15, it may help you get ideas as to what you do and do not like about the set-up.
Based on your comments, I'd say a 20" Bushmaster A3 set up would be the ticket. They are very versatile, offer the shooter options for scope or iron shooting, and provide ballistic performance needed for medium to small game hunting
You may even want to read up on other caliber options like the .308, 6.8 SPC, or others, for the hunting element.
One thing for certain, once you get one, and get a chance to get out with it, you will be hooked on the enthusiasm everyone gets after shooting the AR15.
Keep us posted on your choice!