How do you go garter hunting?

[jaleely]

Apparently I'm surrounded by many different garter snakes in my area, but I have sure never seen any! Granted, when we go for a hike we usually take our dogs, and the hubby tends to walk fast.

So, teach me how to herp! Do you bring a stick? Flip over rocks? Go during a certain time of day? Only near streams or out in the open?

Thanks : )

[guidofatherof5]

Where are you?
Flipping rocks and logs is a good idea but keep in mind that is something's home. Please them back exactly as you found them.
Early morning, late evening if the weather is hot.
Water sources are life to garters.
Much depends on where you are at and what garters your have available.

[setfree]

well I always found them out in a small field with grass. but you can find them under logs and rocks. the only reasons I would bring a stick is for walking and in case there are poisonous snakes in your area. this way you can be a few feet away when you flip over logs and stuff. but all there is to finding a snake is being at the right place at the right time. good luck!

[infernalis]

well I always found them out in a small field with grass. but you can find them under logs and rocks. the only reasons I would bring a stick is for walking and in case there are poisonous snakes in your area.

I don't think she intends to eat any snakes.

[Steveo]

Near a stream is better but you don't necessarily have to be right next to it. I have the most success in places with a lot of fallen timber that can be flipped over. Mornings and evenings are going to be better through the heat of the summer. I do really well in places with fallen timber and short grass, and I look for these places whenever possible. I've also had the greatest success on cool, cloudy days but those are rare where I live. Cold snakes typically find something to curl up under and wait for warmer temps and/or sun. I'm a fast walker so I rarely catch them out in the open, I just use my speed to cover as much ground and flip as many things as possible.

Keep in mind that what I've just described are not necessarily the places where the most garters are, they're just the places where they're easiest to find. High grass and flooded, soft soil is great garter habitat but it's really hard to deal with.

[mikem]

poisonous snakes

venomous snakes

[jaleely]

lol wayne!

Ventura county CA is the location.
I've done a little asking on another website but just seems I have terrible luck to see anything. I haven't really disturbed the area much though. I enjoy nature and respect it, so if I do get down in there and move rocks and thing I will put them back (and i encourage others to as well!) I guess i just think it's really weird that i NEVER see any wild snakes! Supposedly there's an area around here where there are wild blue-red sided california garters. I'm just like, WHERE??? lol

[BUSHSNAKE]

lol wayne!

Ventura county CA is the location.
I've done a little asking on another website but just seems I have terrible luck to see anything. I haven't really disturbed the area much though. I enjoy nature and respect it, so if I do get down in there and move rocks and thing I will put them back (and i encourage others to as well!) I guess i just think it's really weird that i NEVER see any wild snakes! Supposedly there's an area around here where there are wild blue-red sided california garters. I'm just like, WHERE??? lol

Ive had Thamnophis hammondii from Ventura County

[snakechick]

I live in Ventura county also . I have never purposely gone looking for snakes in our area, but I love to hike so I have seen some. I've seen rattlesnakes while hiking through the Conejo valley trails off the 101. As for garters, I worked for a winery in Santa Ynez (way out in happy canyon) where I would see Thamnophis hammondii all the time. There is a lake on the property which probably supports their population. They were always coming down to the winery for a wine tasting .

[ConcinusMan]

I don't think she intends to eat any snakes.

No, but I'm sure a few will try to eat her if she grabs them, LoL.

I have the best luck in the A.M. when the sun is just starting to warm things up. A lot of cold snakes will come out and just curl up basking in the sun. Best to find a place near water, or a riparian zone with plenty of amphibians and cover. Look for them in clearings right on the edge of dense bushes or other cover which they will use to quickly get to safety. I don't generally flip anything. I don't like to disturb the habitat or trample plants. I make an exception if I run across an illegal dump with boards and stuff lying around, but I don't flip natural cover. Bad practice.