I load mine at the beginning of the season and it stays that way until I fire it. Is what messes them up most of the time is taking them inside to a warm room after being in the cold. The barrel will sweat and can get the powder wet. I leave mine in the case in my trunk or in the garage until the season is over. Actually I leave it in my locked blind if I will be returning the next day. In michigan they are considered safe and unloaded as long as there is no cap or primer. I actually remove my bolt just to be safe.

Cayugad had some good suggestion as far as safety as well. I don't have kids or anyone to mess with mine even if I left it out. However if I bring it in the house I unload it. I either shoot it or use the plastic tube that came with it to dump the charge out the back end, then I push the bullet the out the front.

Paul