RE: beginers mistake
 

I' ve just about stepped on a couple hens in heavy underbrush. Scared the crap outta ME too! LOL.

RE: beginers mistake
 

Keep at it. If you' re spooking birds, then at least you know where to find them.
You can' t shoot' em if they' re not around. If you know where the hens are, then you might could use that. A gobbler hearing hens from an area they hang out in, might add a bit of realism to your set up and increase your odds.

RE: beginers mistake
 

I forgot to mention the hen was twenty feet infront of me, looking right at me. The whole time we could hear hens calling from behind us but that' s as far as it went until after she ran off.
I live in Canada (not a state yet, but soon) We were told the bearded hen is undesirable which is why we are allowed to take any bearded bird.
You should hear the story of how I learned Toms wonn' t cross water to your call:D.