I to,keep some distancefrom known roost trees, but i listen only, unless i owl hoot to try and get one to sound off which it seems like only works 20% of the time This season i had the birds pattern down to a nat's but [8D]I knew exactly where they were roosting and exactly where they flew down (from 100 yards in the woods over water and pitching down into the fields) knowing this gave me 1000 yard walk instead of a couple hundred yards, the easy way in. They were roosting next to a lane that cuts through the woods for field access, so i did not dare try and sneak in under and beside thee roost. I usually go in 1 hr. before sunset and wait em out to listen and have an alt. escape route planed just in case. In my opinion, yes it helps sucess. Its comforting knowing exactly where they are in case they are silent that morning, and i know i just to have patience versus moving.