<DOCUMENT>
<TYPE>EX-23.7
<SEQUENCE>7
<FILENAME>h83509ex23-7.txt
<DESCRIPTION>CONSENT OF NETHERLAND SEWELL & ASSOCIATES, INC.
<TEXT>

<PAGE>   1

                                                                    EXHIBIT 23.7

                CONSENT OF NETHERLAND SEWELL & ASSOCIATES, INC.

     As independent oil and gas consultants, Netherland Sewell & Associates,
Inc., hereby consents to the use of our reserve report dated as of June 30, 2000
and to all references to our firm included in or made a part of the Bellwether
Exploration Company's Form S-4 to be filed with the Securities and Exchange
Commission on or about February 1, 2001

                                            NETHERLAND SEWELL & ASSOCIATES, INC.

                                            By: /s/ FREDERIC D. SEWELL
                                                Frederic D. Sewell
                                                President

February 1, 2001
Houston, Texas
</TEXT>
</DOCUMENT>