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                                                                   EXHIBIT 23(f)
    
 
   
                   CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT PETROLEUM ENGINEERS
    
 
   
     We hereby consent to (i) the incorporation by reference in this
Registration Statement on Form S-1, filed by American Exploration Company
("American") under the Securities Act of 1933, of information contained in our
reserve report dated October 4, 1996, relating to the oil and gas reserves and
revenue, as of June 30, 1996, of certain properties owned by American, which
reserve report is incorporated by reference in this Registration Statement, and
(ii) all references to such report and/or to this firm under the heading
"Prospectus Summary -- Summary Reserve Data", "Business -- Reserves" and
"Experts" incorporated by reference in this Registration Statement, and further
consent to us being named as an expert therein.
    
 
   
                                            WILLIAM COBB & ASSOCIATES, INC.
    
 
   
                                            By: /s/  FRANK J. MAREK
                                                -------------------------------
    
   
                                                Frank J. Marek, P.E.
    
   
                                                Vice President
    
 
   
Dallas, Texas
    
   
October 31, 1996