To chamber, or not to chamber? That is the question.

[Ben Long]

Eric308 has got me thinking. SO to spinoff his post about ammo, I have two question.
1) When IN THE FIELD HUNTING, do you typically have a round in the chamber or not? (Assuming you don't have a round chambered when climbing trees, crossing fences, riding in a vehicle, walking in the dark, etc.)
2) Where do you typically hunt? (ie. Southwest, South East, Midwest, Rocky Mountains, etc.) (I'm trying to see if there are geographic trends.)

 

[Ben Long]

I'll be the first to answer my own question.
1) Yes.
2) Northern Rockies/Pacific Northwest (Idaho/Montana)

 

[The Hedgehog]

1) No
2) MT

 

[MLaird]

No round in the chamber.
MT/WY

 

[PrairieHunter]

No.
WY, NE

 

[capttowboater]

Yes, in north Arkansas.

 

[schmalts]

Yes and no, depending on where I am hunting. Usually no. If I am sitting, or still hunting yes, but hiking and glassing no.

 

[rtraverdavis]

1. No
2. OR

 

[el unit]

1) No
2) CO, WY, MT

 

[belly-deep]

1) Yes, unless hunting with another person
2) MT

 

[Carlin59]

Whitetails in WI: Yes, at all times
Antelope: Always carried chambered in the past, starting to carry chamber empty more and more in the past few years
Elk and Mule Deer: Almost always yes, unless dedicated hiking with rifle strapped to pack or in thick brush-busting where i know i couldn’t get a clear shot at an animal anyway

 

[VikingsGuy]

Yes for shotgun for grouse and pheasant
No for rifle.

MN, SD, WY

 

[shootbrownelk]

Yes when hunting, not while in a vehicle even though it's legal to do so in Wyoming.

 

[hank4elk]

Yes,to main OP ?w/noted exceptions. But I hunt alone.
SW,NM remote

 

[N2TRKYS]

Always loaded. Only exception is in a vehicle and at home, unless it's a self defense firearm.

Southeast

 

[Lonesome_God_outdoors]

Once legal hunting hours yes, if I'm guiding someone no for everyone involved. I don't want to be shot in the back.
WY and western slope of Colorado

 

[Addicting]

1. Yes, with a few exceptions (kids, guest, Antelope)

2. MI and where ever I draw a tag.

 

[Bulldog0156]

1. Yes when by myself
2. Montana

 

[Jerky]

No, I never carry a round chambered. I've never regretted it.

Colorado.

 

[HighDesertSage]

No
Colorado