Lead Ammo Under Attack in California Even though no conclusive scientific evidence exists linking lead from hunters' bullets to lead toxicity in some California condors, the Center for Biological Diversity and other health organizations threatened to sue the state of California for failing to ban hunters using lead ammo. Recognizing that lead bullet fragments may be a potential exposure pathway to this endangered species, the state's fish and game department has embarked on a plan to educate hunters in ways they can voluntarily reduce the condors' exposure to lead by various means, including burying the remains of field-dressed game or avoiding hunting in locations where condors are present. In 2005 the state's fish and game commission voted 3-1 against a ban on lead ammo until further study is done and the education plan is given time to work. Earlier this year the California legislature rejected a bill that would have banned the use of lead ammunition. Fish and Game spokesman Steve Materano said in a Monterey Herald story that the Center for Biological Diversity has grossly exaggerated the number of condors suspected of being affected by lead poisoning.