I am well aware of the muzzles-forward carry. I did not get that impression by the backwards description. I have carried my own rifles in that manner, bolt closed on a chambered round, safety on if hunting alone, empty and bolt open is hunting with others or guiding.
I will, however have a round or two in the magazine.
When guiding, everyone's rifle is unloaded while walking until we stop for calling or on a stand, then and only then are rifles carefully loaded. As well, when hunting from tree stands, rifles are not loaded while climbing up or down & bolts open.
Call me paranoid or overly cautious, I don't care, but I will never have such an accident as this one, if it was an accident, whether alone of with others.