EXHIBIT 23.3

                   CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT PETROLEUM ENGINEERS

         The undersigned  hereby consents to the  incorporation  by reference in
the St. Mary Land & Exploration Company registration statement on Form S-8 (File
No.  333-__________)  of  information  contained  in our  reserve  reports as of
January 1, 1998, 1999 and 2000 setting forth estimates of revenues from St. Mary
Land & Exploration Company's oil and gas reserves.

                          /s/ RYDER SCOTT COMPANY, L.P.
                          -----------------------------
                          Ryder Scott Company, L.P.

Denver, Colorado
April 20, 2000