Total exploratory drilling in North America in 1965 decreased compared with 1964. Activity in Canada continued to climb sharply, and a moderate increase was reported in Mexico; however, these increases were offset by a decline in drilling activity in the United States. Actual figures, with 1964 counterparts in parentheses, follow: Canada, 1,748 wells (1,386) and 7,441,197 ft. (6,211,275); Mexico, 139 wells (104) and 1,156,677 ft. (936,529); United States, 9,466 wells (10,747) and 49,204,024 ft. (55,496,688). A total of 1,927 wells, or about 17.0% of all exploratory holes in the three countries, were found capable of producing some hydrocarbons, i.e., about 1 in 6. The "success" percentage for Canadian exploratory effort remained nearly constant, 25.0% compared with 25.8% n 1964, but in the United States the "success" percentage continued to decline to an all-time low of 15.43%, or less than 1 producer in 6.

Wildcat drilling in the United States in 1965 is believed to have resulted in the discovery of approximately 974 million bbls. of oil and condensate and 14,329 Bcf. of gas. Corresponding estimates are not available for Canada and Mexico.