EXHIBIT 23.3

                         INDEPENDENT AUDITORS' CONSENT

         We consent to the use in this Registration Statement of St. Mary
Land & Exploration Company on Form S-4 of our report on King Ranch Energy,
Inc. and Subsidiaries dated March 2, 1999, appearing in this proxy and
consent statement/propextus, which is part of this Registration Statement.

         We also consent to the reference to us under the heading "Experts"
in such Prospectus.


                                       /S/ DELOITTE & TOUCHE LLP

Houston, Texas
August 18, 1999