Michigan Pigeon Racing

Web site for the Greater Michigan Open Combine

 

Last Update 03/15/2026
 

Greater Michigan Open Combine Race and Established Rules

Rule revision or clarifications from base of the American Racting Pigeon Union (AU)

 

Race Related

 
It is the responsibility of each individual member to call or check the website for updated information the day of basketing, and the day of release to check for any changes in basketing or release times due to weather, etc.
 
First release will be no earlier than sunrise at the release point. Driver and release man will have the discretion to work with these times, exception will be if there is inclement conditions as defined by AU release protocol. Any changes will be by majority vote of race secretaries.(2023)
 
Regular (A) release does not have a limit,  5-Bird (B) release self explanatory, (C) release doe does not have any limits unless specifically noted. Occasionally there may be a release called D - this normally will be designated as special race, meaning non average speed or points bearing.
 
Each season (Old and young) missing a race due to weather etc. race schedule will be backed up a week (only 1 race allowed) in a season (New 2025)
 
All races day of or day after if race canceled money goes to next race series. This rule is in effect only if more than one race per season is postponed. See above rule regarding missed races
 
All releases are a half hour after one another at the same release point.
 
All crates will be clearly marked each week with the release, station and race. (IE A Release - Reg, B Release - 5B).
 
Enforce AU rule 7.27  which reads "7.27 The shipping crates will be sealed with a tie wrap or locked in a secure manner to ensure security for the birds while in transit.  (11/06)   The shipping crate doors must remain sealed from the time they leave their respective clubs until they arrive at the designated race release point. Using baling wire, electrical wire or twist ties are not secure and shall not be used" (2024) A second proposal related pushed more for only money races.

 

Require all money race crates to be zip tied. (2024)
 
Combine Money Races to be put up first (New 2025)
 
Basketing for own crates to fly in if bird and crate numbers allow (New 2025)
 
1 day release for final race (Saturday by 1pm). (less stress on the birds, own feed, less time on the trailer, less time for the driver which is less money out of our pockets) (New 2025). Note: clarification as it was asked. Pickup time on basketing morning/afternoon to be determined by transportation/release team.
 
10 bird back to 5 biird (New 2025)
 
Race committee comes up with pickup points for the combine driver. (all race secretaries from each club or authorized delegate) (New 2025)
 
Any bird that goes on the trailer pays all shipping fees.(2024) Clarification no longer may flyers use the FM van/trailer for training tosses or special/seperate releases withut being agreed upon at general membership meeting
 
Commitment by combine members is required 3 weeks before the first combine race in the series. Shipping will be calculated 2 weeks prior to the first combine race using the number of committed fliers for the calculation. This amount will not change if more join in later. Anyone not having paid by first race pays a $25 late fee in addition to all shipping. Exception: New Flyers are exempt from the late fee if they join mid season (2024)
 
All birds on the trailer to be released in the A, B or C or special official races will be banded or countermarked or will be chipped. No "soup" pigeons.
 
Any birds visible in an offical race crate without a chip or countermark will disqualify the whole crate, the crate will be brought back with the driver.
 
At the discretion of Combine Race Secretary, club race secretaries may be responsible for sending a copy of each fliers entries in the race to the pickup points to be given to combine driver.
 
All races are 2 days with sun up and sun downs. When figuring local times the Greater Michigan Open Combine will use the central agreed sunrise and sunset of Lansing Michigan.

 

1 contact person from each club (2024)

General Rules

 

Combine dues are assessed each year with amount to be $10 per year unless ammended.

 

For voting at the combine general membership meeting there is only 1 vote per flying location.

 

Members voting at the combine general membership meeting must have paid dues the previous year or had member status

 

Members 18 years or older may vote.