CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

We hereby consent to the incorporation by reference in this Registration
Statement No. 333-180240 on Form N-2 of First Trust Strategic High Income Fund
II of our report dated December 23, 2011, relating to the financial statements
and financial highlights of First Trust Strategic High Income Fund II as of and
for the year ended October 31, 2011, appearing in the annual report on Form
N-CSR.


/s/ DELOITTE & TOUCHE LLP


Chicago, Illinois
June 8, 2012