Hi,
I live in wester Michigan. I find garters fairly often in the late spring (late April to early May) which I believe is the breeding season. After that I never see them. After breeding season how do I find garters?

My primary spot is a park with fairly large areas where people do not walk, with a few trails here and there. The park as a river and I have always found garters within 20 feet of the river.

I have tried flipping over logs and pallets I find but never found a snake that way. I always find them in weeds near the river.

Can anyone give me some hints as to how to find them?

Are certain times of day better than others?