EXHIBIT 23.1


                        CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT AUDITORS


         We consent to the incorporation by reference in this Annual Report
(Form 10-K) of Helmerich & Payne, Inc. of our report dated November 22, 2002,
included in the 2002 Annual Report to Shareholders of Helmerich & Payne, Inc.

         We also consent to the incorporation by reference in the Registration
Statements (Form S-8 Nos. 33-55239, 333-34939 and 333-63124) pertaining,
respectively, to the Helmerich & Payne, Inc. 1990 Stock Option Plan, 1996 Stock
Incentive Plan and 2000 Stock Incentive Plan of our report dated November 22,
2002, with respect to the consolidated financial statements of Helmerich &
Payne, Inc. incorporated by reference in the Annual Report (Form 10-K) for the
year ended September 30, 2002.


                                                    /s/ ERNST & YOUNG LLP


Tulsa, Oklahoma
December 20, 2002