Michigan Pigeon Racing
Web site for the Greater Michigan Open Combine
Last Update 09/03/2024
2024 Michigan Open and Related Clubs Race Schedule and Rules
| Old Birds | ||||||||
| Week | Date | Station | Ship | Release 1 | Release 2 | Release 3 | Notes | Average Speed |
| 1 | May 25 | Gas City, IN | Friday May 24 | Regular | 10-Bird | None | Regular/10 Bird | |
| 2 | June 2 | Pendleton, IN | Saturday June 1 | Regular | 10-Bird | None | Regular/10 Bird | |
| 3 | June 8 | Columbus, IN | Friday June 7 | Regular | 10-Bird | None | Regular/10 Bird | |
| 3 | June 8 | Markle, IN | Friday June 7 | N/A | N/A | C Release | not average speed | None |
| 4 | June 15 | Bowling Green, KY | Thursday June 14 | Regular | Yearling | None | Regular Only | |
| 5 | June 22 | Pendleton, IN | Friday June 21 | Regular | 10-Bird | None | Regular/10 Bird | |
| 6 | June 30 | Gas City, IN | Saturday June 29 | Regular | 10-Bird | None | Regular/10 Bird | |
| 7 | July 6 | Nashville, TN | Thursday June 29 | Regular | None | None | Regular | |
| Young Birds | ||||||||
| Week | Date | Station | Ship | Release 1 | Release 2 | Release 3 | Notes | Average Speed |
| 1 | August 25 | Markle, IN | Saturday August 24 | Regular | 10-Bird | None | Regular/10 Bird | |
| 2 | Septmber 1 | Gas City, IN | Saturday August 31 | Regular | 10-Bird | None | Regular/10 Bird | |
| 3 | ||||||||
| 4 | September 14 | Gas City, IN | Friday September 13 | Regular | 10-Bird | None | Regular/10 Bird | |
| 5 | September 21 | Columbus, IN |
Friday September 20
|
Regular | 10-Bird | GMOC Auction not average speed | GMOC Auction | Regular/10 Bird |
| 5 | September 21 | Markle, IN | Friday September 20 | N/A | N/A | C Release | not average speed | None |
| 6 | September 28 | Shepherdsville, KY | Thursday September 26 | Regular | Band Race | None | Regular | |
* First release will be no earlier than sunrise at the release point (This is a change from the past as it was realised that there was not an AU rule that dictated this as previously thought) Driver and release man will have the descretion 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.(Updated 1/22/23)
Note: Regular (A) releas does not have a limit, 10 - Bird (B) self explanatory, C release doe does not have any limits unless specifically noted. Occationally there may be a realease called D - This is normally designated as special races
All races day of or day after if race cancelled money goes to next race series.
All releases are a half hour after one another at the same release point.
Note: The Michigan Open Classic Band Race sponsored by the Grand Rapids Pigeon Club will be released with the 400 mile race station (Currently Shepherdsville) race.
All crates will be clearly marked each week with the release, station and race. (IE A Release - Reg, B Release 10B).
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"
Main race birds (A) birds to be released first before the money race birds with the exception of the sunrise race.
Any bird that goes on the trailer pays all shipping fees.(meaning no longer may flyers use the FM van/trailer for training tosses or special/seperate releases withut being agreed upon at general membership meeting. This also means
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 value 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
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.
All race secretaries are responsible for sending 1 copy of each fliers entries in the race to the meetup point with the the truck drivers.
Niote: 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.
Races which 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 Michgan.
Longer races that require the driver to have overnight stays will be meet in Mashall or designated point the next morning after shipping unless otherwise communicated. Race stations that this normally applies are Evansville/Shepherdsville or equivilant, Nashville/Cairo or equivilant, Bowling Green