Sounds like an exciting hunt, bald9eagle. I've had a few hunts go south but had great experiences during those hunts just the same. I've had a few that I probably could have salvaged just by swinging and shooting at a retreating bird, but for the most part when they take off I give them the win.
I've used jakes, strutters , and hen decoys in various combos, but I seem to have the best luck with a single hen so that's what I've been using lately.