Oklahoma Wildlife Conservation Foundation gears up for annual 'Call of the Wild' gala

The Oklahoma Wildlife Conservation Foundation is set to host its annual "Call of the Wild" gala, a night dedicated to the importance of conservation, promotion, and preservation of Oklahoma's wildlife and their habitats. The gala will recognize OWCF award winners as well as Larry and Brenda Potterfield, owners of MidwayUSA and founders of the MidwayUSA Foundation as the fourth inductees into the OWCF Hall of Fame.

The celebration will also feature musical guests, with live as well as silent auctions.

News 9 was joined by OWCF Executive Director Sean McCabe to learn more about the OWCF and the upcoming event.

Q: What is the Oklahoma Wildlife Conservation Foundation?

A: "The foundation is the nonprofit arm to support the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation," McCabe said. "The Department of Wildlife operates solely on license sales, no state appropriation, so we're on the philanthropic side of things to help raise money for their needs and conservation efforts throughout the state."

Q: What is the Call of the Wild Gala?

A: The gala is an annual fundraising event that brings together conservation supporters for an evening of entertainment, auctions, and celebration of the OWCF's work. "I think there are a lot of opportunities that people aren't aware of, how we can support different programs," McCabe said. "Getting youth and novices involved in the outdoors, hunting, and fishing programs and outdoor education as well."

Q: What kinds of entertainment will be at the gala?

A: The Great Divide, an American Red Dirt music group from Stillwater, Oklahoma will be giving a live performance at the gala in addition to silent and live auctions.

Q: Where and when is the event happening this year?

A: The gala is set for Friday, February 28 at 6 p.m. at the Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum in Oklahoma City. McCabe says that around 50 tickets are remaining.

To purchase tickets, become a sponsor, or view items available for auction, visit the Oklahoma Wildlife Conservation Foundation's official event page, or text "owcfgala2025" to 44834.