Exhibit 23.1

Consent of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

Gastar Exploration, Inc.

Houston, Texas

We hereby consent to the incorporation by reference in the Registration Statements on Form S-3 (Nos. 333-174552-01 and 333-193832) and Form S-8 (No. 333-139787) of Gastar Exploration Inc. (formerly Gastar Exploration USA, Inc.) of our report dated March 13, 2014, relating to the consolidated financial statements of Gastar Exploration, Inc., and the effectiveness of Gastar Exploration, Inc.’s internal control over financial reporting, which appear in this Form 10-K.

BDO USA, LLP

Dallas, TX

March 13, 2014