As they walked through the tall grass and thickets, dodging badger holes and tree limbs, volunteers at Homestead National Monument’s deer count had only one thing in mind Thursday - spotting an elusive whitetail as it bounded up from its resting in search of safety.

Twenty-six volunteers showed up to help Homestead staff walk through around 190 acres to get an idea of the number of deer on park grounds.

During a similar event in September, volunteers recorded eight deer. In Thursday’s count, there were an estimated 43 deer, including 7 bucks, 20 does, and 16 whose sex could not be determined.

Jesse Bolli, resource management specialist with Homestead, said he decided to perform the second count because he was curious to see how the upcoming rifle season would impact the number of deer in the park.

Bolli said the count, done at least once each year, is a way of monitoring how the deer population is affecting the natural resources at the park.

“If we’ve planted new areas in the forest, and it isn’t doing well, we can look at the deer population to see if that might be affecting the growth,” he said.

During the orientation, Bolli said the estimated deer population in 2004 was about 76 deer per square mile. Thursday’s count would bring that number up to about 172 deer per square mile. Before the area was settled in the mid-19th century, it is estimated there were about 15 deer per square mile.

Allison LaDuke, who joined the park staff earlier this year, said she was excited to take part in the event.

“The first time I was out on a deer count (in September), I didn’t see anything.” she said.

On Thursday she counted seven.

“It’s nice to get out here on the prairie and enjoy the outdoors,” she said.

Bill Loseman has been counting deer since the program began in 2003, his wife June has been at his side each year, except in 2008 when she was undergoing chemotherapy.

“This is a really good time to get out and walk and enjoy the outdoors,” Bill said. “You get a chance to see nature - not just deer, but all of nature.”

The park will conduct a follow-up count on Nov. 24. Anyone wishing to volunteer for the count should contact Homestead National Monument at 402-223-3514.