[woodbutcher]

Very good analysis.

However, I would like to point out one more factor.

Unless he was hunting in the nude, most of the shot energy would be absorbed by a shooting jacket. Usually, these are heavy with game pockets, shell pockets, etc. all over them, which means a lot of the area has double or more fabric layers.

He could have been hunting in his shirt sleeves, but that would not be expected because of the need for more shells, game pockets, protection from brush and briars, etc. Quail in my part of the world are ordinarily found in heavy cover.

The big danger here would be pellets in the eyes or ears.

Bird shot can be fatal at close range. If it reaches the lungs, kidneys, etc., it is serious. But at 35 yards, it might be best described as nothing more than a pain in the ass.

So maybe he got hit with less than a dozen shot? Time will tell.

[Rio]

I'm waiting for the headline where they label the VP a "poacher" for not paying his $7 quail stamp TAX.

[tcostell]

Well they were in Texas not PA so the clothes were probably lighter than average, but yes I'm sure some of the energy would have been absorbed by his shirt at least.