EXHIBIT 23.1



                         CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT AUDITORS


We consent to the incorporation by reference in the Registration Statements (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.  333-42315,  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  25,  2002,  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, 2001.



                                                Ernst & Young LLP



Dallas, Texas
March 6, 2002






















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