EXHIBIT 23.1



                         CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT AUDITORS


We consent to the incorporation by reference in the Registration Statements (No.
333-88438,  No. 333-35087,  No. 333-35165,  No.  333-39153,  No. 333-39249,  No.
33-44851,  No. 333-35085 and No. 333-35175) on Form S-8 and (No. 333-88478,  No.
333-42315,  No.  333-44439  and No. 333-  39381) on Form S-3 of Pioneer  Natural
Resources  Company and the related  Prospectuses of our report dated January 24,
2003, with respect to the consolidated  financial  statements of Pioneer Natural
Resources Company included in this Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended
December 31, 2002.


                                           Ernst & Young LLP



Dallas, Texas
February 19, 2003