EXHIBIT 23.1

            Consent of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm



     We consent to the incorporation by reference in the Registration  Statement
(Form  S-8)  pertaining  to the  Pioneer  Natural  Resources  Company  Long-Term
Incentive  Plan of our reports  dated  February  15,  2006,  with respect to the
consolidated  financial statements of Pioneer Natural Resources Company included
in its Annual Report (Form 10-K) for the year ended  December 31, 2005,  Pioneer
Natural  Resources  Company  management's  assessment  of the  effectiveness  of
internal  control over financial  reporting,  and the  effectiveness of internal
control over financial  reporting of Pioneer Natural  Resources  Company,  filed
with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

                                       /s/ Ernst & Young LLP


Dallas, Texas
August 9, 2006