BigTim...welcome back to the Bluegrass State...

Most of the public land (WMAs) have limited entry for rifle season (Quota hunts)...though there are some WMAs that are open under statewide regulations... The Somerset area is a zone 4 area (I think) so the deer are not as plentiful as a bit further north or west...

The Department of Fish and Wildlife website has a link to the Telecheck system, which shows the harvest results for all counties and all public areas...this might give you a start...the KDFWR website also has a pdf version of the hunting guide on it...

As to weapon choice...it is your call...rifles must be limited to a 10 round magazine...otherwise the AR platform is fine, though a bit heavy IMO... The .308 round is an excellent caliber for deer, elk, bear, wild hog, etc...all of which have seasons (wild hog is open year round in most parts of KY)...

Most shots taken are under 100 yards...

Good luck and let me know if I can help!