EXHIBIT 23.1

                         INDEPENDENT AUDITORS' CONSENT

We consent to the  incorporation  by reference  in this  Current  Report on Form
8-K/A under the  Securities  Exchange Act of 1934 of St. Mary Land & Exploration
Company  dated  February 25, 2000 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.


/s/ DELOITTE & TOUCHE LLP

DELOITTE & TOUCHE LLP

Houston, Texas
February 25, 2000