After the Northeast Oklahoma Racing Pigeon Federation transports the racing pigeons from Tulsa, Oklahoma to a southern release point (race station) in a large trailer with food and water provided, the racing pigeons are released in two groups (A and B group) thirty minutes apart from the race station early in the morning to fly north to their home in Northeast Oklahoma.  According to the American Racing Pigeon Union rules and regulations, officially sanctioned pigeon races cannot begin earlier than thirty minutes after official sunrise at the race station for the protection and safety of the pigeons.