Treat it as if it is always loaded !!! Many accidents have happened by unloaded guns. I went to a mans house one day to pick up some rifles to clean for him. His wife was sitting on the couch telling him to not point a rifle in her direction. He stated that it was not loaded and pulled the magazine out of it to prove this true. I reached and took the rifle from him. Noting that the safety was not in the safe mode I opened the chamber and ejected a shell. I was very happy that this gentleman did not shoot his wife that day.
Never trust the safety on your rifle it is there as a back up for safe handling.
Take a good hunter safety class. They will have alot of good info for you. Besides if you intend to hunt many states require it [no matter your age] before you can buy or apply for a license.
Enjoy shooting it.