very thick underbrush is what you want for 2 reasons: the first being that very few people venture into very thick underbrush*-security. secondly, it takes good sunlight to the forest floor to make very thick underbrush (assuming it is fresh growth).
*except berry pickers...
bad news is that you have to carve a way in there and then cut out your spot, then do the normal site soil prep work. and be mindful of the view from above. don't make any straight lines that could draw attention.
space out the work and always be aware of others...and never tell anyone what you've got before you harvest, no one except us. cuz we won't sneak in and grab it all. and if you let the mooches know you grew a pound...well they don't see your hard work and risks as worth anything. you know different. always feign crop failure or loss to those folks.
nothing wrong with being generous--at your own speed.
i'd start my plants to six/seven nodes, top back to second (per UB), let them recover from topping, and then set 'em out. if i was a gonna do anything like that. i'd only go back in case of drought and to yank the males. and of course to harvest if everything goes to plan.
cover you outings: get some binoculars and a bird book, you're now a birdwatcher.