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 21, 1997, 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, 1996, in the following Registration Statements and related Prospectuses: Registration Number Description of Registration Statement - -------------------- ---------------------------------------------------- 33-62785 Stock Option Plan/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 February 28, 1997