Matsutake Hardwoods

Hunting matsi in hardwoods is the same in most aspects as conifer. Mushrooms are harder to find young, due to a litter layer, but following fruiting across the landscape is easier. Abrupt geographical features create temperature zones along the ridge. Even in the poorest years, fruiting can be found near the ridge crest at some elevation.

As the mushroom grows, it pushes up the soil  and  litter cover,  creating  raised  areas  or bumps. Bumps usually indicate an older mushroom. Study each foot of ground around the bump. Get down on hands and knees and feel the ground. Push down on the litter with your hands. You will be able to feel other mushrooms. Don't worry about missing some, you will feel them before they are large enough to harvest. It's better not to disturb the young ones. Return in a few days for a second harvest.

Another noticeable difference is underbrush, ground cover, and rain. All these elements can make hardwood picking less pleasurable to some.