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                                                                    EXHIBIT 23.2





                        CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT ENGINEERS

Ryder Scott Company hereby consents to the reference to us and our report
entitled "Venus Exploration, Inc. Estimated Future Reserves Income Attributable
to Certain Leasehold and Royalty Interests (S.E.C. Parameters) as of December
31, 1999", in the Venus Exploration, Inc.'s (the "Company") Annual Report on
Form 10-K (Form 10-K) for the fiscal year ended December 31, 1999, and the
incorporation of our report by reference to the Form 10-K in the Company's (i)
Registration Statement on Form S-8 (file no. 333-61193) and (ii) Registration
Statement on Form S-3 (file no. 333-73457).


                                                             Ryder Scott Company

Houston, Texas
April 11, 2000