Teacher help: Bug Hunting Help? - Help.com

they’re there. leave the trap and they will find the way

have you dug into the ground and picked up big heavy rocks and such?

Well I guess you could get some old bit of food, meat would be good and leave it lying around outside. Snow or no snow I would imagine insects would be crawling all over it by morning.

Early snow and cold weather might actually make it easy for you, because many insects overwinter just inside rotted bark, sheltered from the elements. No need to prowl deep in the woods, find a dead/dying tree (ask permission on private property!), pull off some of the loose bark and look close on the underside of the bark, in any loose wood fibers that have settled down cracks, and on the trunk itself for moths and bugs that have hunkered down.
Rolling over a few rotting logs can expose a wide world of dormant insect life. Might disturb a snake or mouse, so use a heavy stick as a lever. Once you’re done, always roll the log back into place so the little creatures can get back to hibernating.
When you’re doing this sort of scout work, always have a few of collection jars open and ready to scoop them up. Consider scooping up some of the composting detritus and chips of wood and leaves in a bucket, take it home and spread it out on a newspaper. (outdoors, in the sunlight) You might be surprised at what you’ve “caught.”
Wherever you see spider webs (attics, basements, garages), there are bound to be insects probably lurking under boxes or furniture. Maybe ask your librarian or neighbors if you can poke around in their basements. Just be careful where you put your hands. Some spiders can give a very very nasty bite. Might be smart to wear gloves.