Drilling activity increased in 2 CSD Districts and decreased in 1 CSD District covered by this report. Total number of wells drilled in Arkansas increased 0.6%, in North Louisiana 26.6%, and in East Texas decreased 26.6%. Exploratory drilling resulted in a success of 7.9% in Arkansas, 11.4% in North Louisiana, and 8.1% in East Texas.

The most important exploration and development activity in South Arkansas was within the Smackover limestone trend. In North Louisiana, drilling for Wilcox (Eocene) production accounted for a major part of the total exploratory wells drilled. Seven of the new-field discoveries in North Louisiana in 1972 were Wilcox completions. In East Texas, 5 discoveries were made in the Rodessa Formation and 1 each from the Goodland and Cotton Valley Formations. The most significant discovery appears to be Hughey No. 1 Palmer, North Sand Flat field, Smith County, which was dually completed in the Rodessa Formation.