I'm not a hunter, so couldn't say, except that I know quail hunting has decreased in Texas since the fire ant invasion, as they're ground-nesting birds. It sounds like the guy got hit with some of the spread from the gun, basically a peripheal hit. A direct hit with a shotgun (seen one) can be devastating. Still, remind me to turn down that invitation to go hunting with Cheney.
I wonder if this Whittington looks anything like Dean?