Distance from the roost depends on terrain details. Don't try to get too close, but setting a never ever distance would be wrong. I've called birds from over a half mile, and I've set up within 50 yards of the roost and been successful too. Cover, direction of your approach and the lay of the land are the big factors in distance.

The best advice would be to learn the terrain on which you intend to hunt. Scout for sign, all the while making mental notes of the terrain. Learn the depressions and avenues that you can use to move with the least amount of detection.

Woodsmanship plays into turkey hunting just as much as your calling ability. I've had to call aggressive to som Tom's, while others require very little calling... sometimes just a yelp or pair of clucks will bring the gobbler right up your gun barrel. Let the Tom tell you what he wants to hear... each hunt is a little different and you'll learn more in that fashion from being out there.

As far as learing, I had the good fortune of having an accomplished turkey hunter as a teacher. In the absence of that, I agree that video's, although not all, will be your biggest ace in the hole as a new turkey hunter. Try to choose the edorsed instructional or how to video's over those that are set on hunting preserves.

Watch the good ones, read as much as you can and by all means get in the turkey woods. By observing the wild turkey in nature, seeing the habits, sounds, etc., you've got the best teacher of all.