Each year could be different. During the process, there is a varying degree of disturbance to the forest floor. DEER Deer are the superior hunters of matsutake in the forest, usually first to find fresh fruiting areas. They paw the ground and kick the mushrooms out. Years of digging in the same area leaves depressions in the ground.
Depressions indicate the exact location of reliable fruiting .
Watch for their trails. Trails that are well traveled usually lead to or from fruiting areas. The human animal will scratch, dig, or rake leaving easily seen signs. In most cases these areas yield small amounts. This section refers to shading trees create.