[Cazador]

Good advice from greyhawk up there. As a kid, I would set out 1" x 12" x ~18" boards along the water's edge of our ponds during the summer, and the snakes would gravitate toward them. I'd just have to walk by and flip the board over, and there would usually be worms, frogs, an occasional tiny fish at the water's edge, and sometimes even a fat snake. I liked boards, because they would float if the ever got blown in the pond, but anything that provides cover and is easy to flip over would work. They're looking for food, protection from predators, and sometimes a place to bask in (or retreat from) the sun. Concentrate on those areas, and you'll increase your odds.

Since it's on your own property, just provide shelter for them wherever you'd like, but focus on areas that would provide food. They'll be most active in sunny areas and therefore more likely to encounter your new hiding spot, which provides shade, cooler temperatures on sunny days, a safe place to rest, and hopefully food. They're lethargic now, but they still occasionally move. It wouldn't hurt to set out a few boards now and cross your fingers, but your odds will go way up next spring. Best of luck,
Rick