[KITKAT]

One method to finding garters is to put out "drop boards". Get some old pieces of plywood or some other wooden boards that are fairly wide, and put them at the edges of fields, weed patches, under pine trees (where the lawnmower won't hit them) or along streams, rivers, or ponds.

Wait about a month after you put the boards out, and then go to them and flip them to see what is underneath. You will find evidence of the meadow mouse, the shrew, earthworms and pill bugs, and eventually you may find snakes, salamanders, and toads.

It is important that after you flip the board, you put it back EXACTLY where it was, with the same side down.

The best time to put out drop boards is in spring, when the temperatures are at least 60 degrees.

Be persistant and patient... the longer the boards are there, the more critters will start using them for shelter. I got a pregnant (gravid) garter from a drop board two years ago, in May.