EXHIBIT 23.1

                         INDEPENDENT AUDITORS' CONSENT


We consent to the  incorporation  by reference in the Current Report on Form 8-K
under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 of St. Mary Land & Exploration Company
dated  December  29,  1999  of  our  report  on  King  Ranch  Energy,  Inc.  and
subsidiaries  dated  March  2,  1999 and  contained  in  Registration  Statement
333-85537  of St.  Mary  Land &  Exploration  Company  on  Form  S-4  under  the
Securities  Act of  1933  insofar  as  such  report  relates  to  the  financial
statements  of King  Ranch  Energy,  Inc.  and  subsidiaries  for the year ended
December 31, 1998.


By  /s/ DELOITTE & TOUCHE LLP
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DELOITTE & TOUCHE LLP

Houston, Texas
December 29, 1999