1 EXHIBIT 23 Consent of Independent Auditors To the Shareholders and Board of Directors Belden & Blake Corporation We consent to the incorporation by reference of our report dated February 29, 1996, with respect to the consolidated financial statements of Belden & Blake Corporation included in this Annual Report (Form 10-K) for the year ended December 31, 1995, in the following Registration Statements and related Prospectuses: Registration Number Description of Registration Statement ---------------- -------------------------------------------------- 33-62785 Non-Employee Director Stock Option Plan -- Form S-8 33-69802 Employees 401(K) Profit Sharing Plan -- Form S-8 ERNST & YOUNG LLP Cleveland, Ohio March 11, 1996