bristled (to bristle): describes hair or fur that is standing up stiffly on end (to bristle is also to show irritation)
butt: the end of a gunstock; the part that rests on the shoulder when a gun is mounted
carcass: the dead body of an animal, such as a deer, cow, or pig, that will be used for food
castration: the removal of the sex organs, making an animal incapable of reproduction
cattail: a very tall, grass-like plant common to freshwater wetland
colour-coded: identified using colours to indicate value or meaning
crooked: bent in an angular way, asymmetrical
ducks (to duck): to lower the head or body
linoleum: a floor covering commonly found in kitchens, work, or commercial spaces
paces (to pace): to walk slowly and evenly; people pace when they are nervous or waiting for something to happen
pelt: the skin of an animal, such as a deer, beaver, or bear
probing (to probe): to pass into or through something else, often by overcoming resistance; you may enquire or probe into a situation
quilt: a blanket stitched together from variously shaped and coloured materials, often used on top of a bed for warmth or decorative purposes
scars: permanent marks on the skin from physical wounds or medical operations
spindly: slender, long, and suggestive of weakness
squints (to squint): to look with the eyes partly closed; you squint in bright sunlight or in an attempt to see something clearly
stagnant water: motionless water that provides an environment for bacteria to grow
stubble: short stiff hair on a man’s face
trunk: the main stem of a tree, from which the branches grow
tufts: bunches of grass, feathers, or hair gathered and held together at the base
whorls: the circular growth of human hair, animal fur, or plant material