The Peregrine Fund conference was spawned by studies done by the group's researchers and board members. Earlier this year, Minnesota and North Dakota told food banks to discard venison, after studies there showed lead levels.

The Peregrine Fund got involved because the condors it reintroduces to northern Arizona have gotten sick with lead poisoning, from eating lead-tainted carrion. Rick Watson, the vice president of the center, says that got researchers thinking: Could humans be affected.

Pro-hunting groups including Safari Club International have been outraged, saying not enough scientific evidence exists to support ditching venison donated to food banks by hunters.