Brumation Opinion

[gregmonsta]

Right, been paper trolling
Spermatogenesis (as a general rule) starts when the temperatures drop at the end of summer and the males will enter Hibernation fully loaded in prep for Spring.
The fact that there have many reports of mating activity observed by multiple species in Autumn (as well as year round) suggest that:
1) Spring mating is the optimum/norm
2) Males/females can be perfectly ready to mate pre-hibernation.
3) Indiviual females may indeed be able to double-clutch where conditions are right .... or .... Females with low fat stores and unable to breed after cooling may still be able to attract males during a successful feeding season later in the year.
In a lot of species you'll see a range in a season (say June-September as an example) in which babies may be born. This could suggest sperm storage and female selected fertilisation times but later matings can not be ruled out.
There are a lot of factors to consider in the wild - food availability/seasonal differences from year to year/etc.
But I would say that it's perfectly possible for breeding to occur at any time of the year (albeit with varying degrees of success).

[charles parenteau]

I learn from my mentor that eastern garter snake male reach their maximum fertility about 3 month out of hibernation...

[zooplan]

Fertility was not the entire question.

OK!

I have to disagree about the "any time of year" statement.

As you pointed out before, most studies are about nothern populations, wich are brumating in groups. Fall matings are fewer, but also observed for those. Summer observations are very difficult and rare.
I expect that a male would try to mate with any attractive female he meet all year long in the wild too.
@Steve: Maybe you´ll have to built a deerstand on the ranch and observe all summer long to light our minds

[guidofatherof5]

OK!

@Steve: Maybe you´ll have to built a deerstand on the ranch and observe all summer long to light our minds

Don't you mean radixstand
I think I'm going to invest into a few more cameras.
Maybe a remote controlled camera to pan around under my deck.

[ConcinusMan]

Now you're talking ^^^

Just don't let Animal Planet seduce you. I honestly think that great things can come from your place Steve. Like, an entire hour-long documentary showing the good side of snakes and radix life starring Steve and his mind control ninja radixes

Maybe find a way to raise money for the endangered Ohio radixes? I mean, that's just one idea.

[kibakiba]

I would donate money to help garter snakes. I cant afford paying over 10 dollars, but every little bit works for that sort of thing. Maybe you should start a little fundraiser type thing so you can do a 24 hour radixcam. I'd definitely love sitting there and watching snakes all day.

Besides, I do love radixes... Watching them would probably influence my next purchase more...