At that kind of range, I would think more damage would have been done. Birdshot or not. Either way good for him. Good to see they aren't pushing for charges.
However I'd be averse to saying so much, especially to the press. Some of his printed statements could prove good fodder for an overzealous prosecutor or civil lawyer.
"ANYTHING you say CAN and WILL be used against you in a court of law." "Can and will" are a whole lot different than "may or may not".