EXHIBIT 23.3

           CONSENT OF RYDER SCOTT COMPANY PETROLEUM CONSULTANTS, L.P.

As independent oil and gas consultants, Ryder Scott Company Petroleum
Consultants, L.P. hereby consents to the incorporation by reference in the
Registration Statement on Form S-4, to be filed with the Securities and Exchange
Commission on or about September 18, 2003, of information from our reserves
report dated February 25, 2003, entitled Estimated Future Reserves and Income
Attributable to Certain Leasehold Interests (SEC Parameter) as of December 31,
2002". We also consent to the reference to us under the heading "Experts" in
such Registration Statement.



                                 RYDER SCOTT COMPANY PETROLEUM CONSULTANTS, L.P.

Houston, Texas
September 18, 2003