[Nyksta]

Originally Posted by JamesB

I suspect most of the answers here really depend on the type of hunting being done.
To me, it makes little sense to be stalking without a round chambered. The noise of chambering one will undo hours of patient slow movement into position. Similarly, why not have a round chambered if you are sitting in a blind?

If I am not stalking, or have a rifle slung, I am much more likely to have the chamber empty.

As others have pointed out though, muzzle control matters even when you think the chamber is empty. I have seen many instances of hunters, and sport shooters opening the action on their gun, and being surprised when a round dropped out. At least half the time they were previously carelessly pointing it around stating it was unloaded.

+1 exactly