My hunters had the magazine only, loaded and with bolt closed on an empty chamber when we were hunting moose. My .458 was always loaded, safety on.
Once we got to where we were setting up to call, they were allowed to load. On the way to that location, there was always possibility of having
bear trouble. I always led (of course) and could not trust most 'hunters' with loaded firearms.
I did not trust 80% of the hunters I guided. Some were OK and it only takes a day getting things sorted out before the hunt starts to see who knows
what they are doing and who doesn't. Range checking guns allows an easy observance of competency(safety & knowledge of proper gun handling).