<SUBMISSION>
<ACCESSION-NUMBER>0000893538-07-000140
<TYPE>8-K
<PUBLIC-DOCUMENT-COUNT>2
<PERIOD>20071211
<ITEMS>1.01
<ITEMS>9.01
<FILING-DATE>20071212
<DATE-OF-FILING-DATE-CHANGE>20071211
<FILER>
<COMPANY-DATA>
<CONFORMED-NAME>ST MARY LAND & EXPLORATION CO
<CIK>0000893538
<ASSIGNED-SIC>1311
<IRS-NUMBER>410518430
<STATE-OF-INCORPORATION>DE
<FISCAL-YEAR-END>1231
</COMPANY-DATA>
<FILING-VALUES>
<FORM-TYPE>8-K
<ACT>34
<FILE-NUMBER>001-31539
<FILM-NUMBER>071300187
</FILING-VALUES>
<BUSINESS-ADDRESS>
<STREET1>1776 LINCOLN ST STE 700
<CITY>DENVER
<STATE>CO
<ZIP>80203
<PHONE>303-861-8140
</BUSINESS-ADDRESS>
</FILER>
<DOCUMENT>
<TYPE>8-K
<SEQUENCE>1
<FILENAME>form8k_121107.htm
<DESCRIPTION>FORM 8-K 12/11/07
<TEXT>
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    <div>&#160;</div>
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    <div style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="center"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman;">UNITED
      STATES</font></div>
    <div style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="center"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman;">SECURITIES
      AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION</font></div>
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      D.C. 20549</font></div>
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    <div style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="center"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman;"><strong>FORM
      8-K</strong></font></div>
    <div><br></div>
    <div style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="center"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman;"><strong>CURRENT
      REPORT</strong></font></div>
    <div><br></div>
    <div style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="center"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman;"><strong>Pursuant
      to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of
      1934</strong></font></div>
    <div><br></div>
    <div style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="center"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman;">Date
      of
      Report (Date of earliest event reported)</font></div>
    <div style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="center"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman;">December
      11, 2007 (December 11, 2007)</font></div>
    <div><br></div>
    <div style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="center"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman;"><strong>St.
      Mary Land &amp; Exploration Company</strong></font></div>
    <div style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="center"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman;">(Exact
      name of registrant as specified in its charter)</font></div>
    <div><br></div>
    <div><br></div>
    <div align="center">
      <table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" width="75%">

          <tr>
            <td valign="top" width="27%">
              <div style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="center"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: times new roman;">Delaware</font></div>
            </td>
            <td valign="top" width="27%">
              <div style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="center"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: times new roman;">001-31539</font></div>
            </td>
            <td valign="top" width="27%">
              <div style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="center"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: times new roman;">41-0518430</font></div>
            </td>
          </tr>
          <tr>
            <td valign="top" width="27%">
              <div style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="center"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: times new roman;">(State
                or other jurisdiction</font></div>
            </td>
            <td valign="top" width="27%">
              <div style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="center"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: times new roman;">(Commission</font></div>
            </td>
            <td valign="top" width="27%">
              <div style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="center"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: times new roman;">(I.R.S.
                Employer</font></div>
            </td>
          </tr>
          <tr>
            <td valign="top" width="27%">
              <div style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="center"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: times new roman;">of
                incorporation)</font></div>
            </td>
            <td valign="top" width="27%">
              <div style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="center"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: times new roman;">File
                Number)</font></div>
            </td>
            <td valign="top" width="27%">
              <div style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="center"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: times new roman;">Identification
                No.)</font></div>
            </td>
          </tr>

      </table>
    </div>
    <div><br></div>
    <div><br></div>
    <div align="center">
      <table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" width="60%">

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            <td valign="top" width="47%">
              <div style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="center"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: times new roman;">1776
                Lincoln Street, Suite 700, Denver, Colorado</font></div>
              <div style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="center"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: times new roman;">(Address
                of principal executive offices)</font></div>
            </td>
            <td valign="top" width="33%">
              <div style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="center"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: times new roman;">80203</font></div>
              <div style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="center"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: times new roman;">(Zip
                Code)</font></div>
            </td>
          </tr>

      </table>
    </div>
    <div><br></div>
    <div style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="center"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman;">Registrant&#8217;s
      telephone number, including area code: (303) 861-8140</font></div>
    <div><br></div>
    <div><br></div>
    <div style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="center"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman;">Not
      applicable</font></div>
    <div style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="center"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman;">(Former
      name or former address, if changed since last report.)</font></div>
    <div><br></div>
    <div style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="left"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman;">Check
      the
      appropriate box below if the Form 8-K filing is intended to simultaneously
      satisfy the filing obligation of the registrant under any of the following
      provisions (see General Instruction A.2.):</font></div>
    <div><br></div>
    <div style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="left"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman;">[_]
      Written communications pursuant to Rule 425 under the Securities Act (17 CFR
      230.425)</font></div>
    <div><br></div>
    <div style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="left"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman;">[_]
      Soliciting material pursuant to Rule 14a-12 under the Exchange Act (17 CFR
      240.14a-12)</font></div>
    <div><br></div>
    <div style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="left"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman;">[_]
      Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 14d-2(b) under the Exchange
      Act
      (17 CFR 240.14d-2(b))</font></div>
    <div><br></div>
    <div style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="left"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman;">[_]
      Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 13e-4(c) under the Exchange
      Act
      (17 CFR 240.13e-4(c))</font></div><br>
    <div id="PGBRK" style="MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; WIDTH: 100%; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt">
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          <div style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="left">&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;<font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman;">&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;
            &#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;</font>&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;</div>&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;

          <div style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="left">&#160;&#160;&#160;</div>&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;</div>
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    </div><br>
    <div style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="left"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman;"><strong>Item
      1.01&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;Entry
      into a Material Definitive Agreement.</strong></font></div>
    <div><br></div>
    <div>
      <div style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="left"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman;"><font id="TAB1" style="MARGIN-LEFT: 45.8pt;"></font>On
        December 11, 2007, St. Mary Land
&amp; Exploration Company (&#8220;St. Mary&#8221;) entered into an agreement with Abraxas
        Operating, LLC, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Abraxas Energy Partners, L.P.,
        to
        sell its previously reported divestiture package of certain non-strategic
        oil
        and gas properties located primarily in the Rocky&#160;Mountain and
        Mid-Continent regions for $140 million in cash.&#160;&#160;The agreement has an
        effective date of December 1, 2007, and is anticipated to close on January
        31,
        2008, subject to customary closing conditions.&#160;&#160;On December 11, 2007,
        St. Mary issued a press release announcing the agreement.&#160;&#160;A copy of
        the press release is filed as Exhibit 99.1 to this report.</font></div>
      <div><br></div>
      <div style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 45pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="left"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman;">This
        report contains forward looking statements within the meaning of securities
        laws. The word &#8220;anticipate&#8221; and similar expressions are intended to identify
        forward looking statements.&#160;&#160;Although St. Mary believes the
        expectations reflected in these statements are reasonable, it can give no
        assurance that they will prove to be correct.&#160;&#160;These statements
        involve known and unknown risks, including the pending nature of the reported
        divestiture of non-core oil and gas properties as well as the ability to
        complete the transaction, the uncertain nature of the expected benefits from
        the
        divestiture of oil and gas properties and other such matters discussed in
        the
&#8220;Risk Factors&#8221; section of St. Mary&#8217;s 2006 Annual Report on Form 10-K/A and
        subsequent Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q filed with the
        SEC.&#160;&#160;Although St. Mary may from time to time voluntarily update its
        prior forward looking statements, it disclaims any commitment to do so except
        as
        required by securities laws.</font></div>
      <div style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 45pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="left">&#160;</div>
      <div style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 45pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="left">&#160;</div>
    </div>
    <div style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="justify"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman;"><strong>Item
      9.01&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;Financial
      Statements and Exhibits.</strong></font></div>
    <div>&#160;</div>
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      <div>
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              <td align="right" valign="top" width="9%">
                <div style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="right"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: times new roman;">(d)&#160;
                  </font></div>
              </td>
              <td align="left" valign="top" width="10%">
                <div style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="left"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: times new roman;">Exhibits.</font></div>
              </td>
              <td align="left" valign="top" width="81%">
                <div style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="left"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: times new roman;">The
                  following exhibit is filed as part of this report:</font></div>
              </td>
            </tr>
            <tr>
              <td valign="top" width="9%"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: times new roman;">&#160;</font></td>
              <td align="left" valign="top" width="10%">
                <div style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="left"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: times new roman;">Exhibit
                  99.1</font></div>
              </td>
              <td align="left" valign="top" width="81%">
                <div style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="left"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: times new roman;">Press
                  release of St. Mary Land &amp; Exploration Company dated December 11,
                  2007.</font></div>
              </td>
            </tr>

        </table>
      </div>
      <div><br><br>
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        </div><br></div>
    </div>
    <div><br></div>
    <div style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="center"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman;"><strong>SIGNATURES</strong></font></div>
    <div><br></div>
    <div style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 36pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="left"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman;">Pursuant
      to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant
      has
      duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned hereunto
      duly authorized.</font></div>
    <div><br></div>
    <div><br></div>
    <div style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="left"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman;"><font id="TAB1" style="MARGIN-LEFT: 171pt;"></font>ST.
      MARY LAND &amp; EXPLORATION
      COMPANY</font></div>
    <div><br></div>
    <div>
      <table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" width="100%">

          <tr>
            <td align="right" valign="top" width="9%">
              <div style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="right"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: times new roman;">Date:</font></div>
            </td>
            <td align="left" valign="top" width="10%">
              <div style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="left"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: times new roman;">&#160;December
                11, 2007</font></div>
            </td>
            <td align="right" valign="top" width="12%">
              <div style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="right"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: times new roman;">By:&#160;
                </font></div>
            </td>
            <td align="left" valign="top" width="69%">
              <div style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="left"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: times new roman;"><u>/s/
                DAVID W. HONEYFIELD</u></font></div>
            </td>
          </tr>
          <tr>
            <td valign="top" width="9%"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: times new roman;">&#160;</font></td>
            <td valign="top" width="10%"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: times new roman;">&#160;</font></td>
            <td valign="top" width="12%"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: times new roman;">&#160;</font></td>
            <td align="left" valign="top" width="69%">
              <div style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="left"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: times new roman;">David
                W. Honeyfield</font></div>
            </td>
          </tr>
          <tr>
            <td valign="top" width="9%"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: times new roman;">&#160;</font></td>
            <td valign="top" width="10%"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: times new roman;">&#160;</font></td>
            <td valign="top" width="12%"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: times new roman;">&#160;</font></td>
            <td align="left" valign="top" width="69%">
              <div style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 27pt; TEXT-INDENT: -27pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="left"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: times new roman;">Senior
                Vice President - Chief Financial Officer and Secretary</font></div>
              <div>&#160;</div>
            </td>
          </tr>

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</TEXT>
</DOCUMENT>
<DOCUMENT>
<TYPE>EX-99.1
<SEQUENCE>2
<FILENAME>exhibit99_1.htm
<DESCRIPTION>PRESS RELEASE
<TEXT>
<html>

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    <title>exhibit99_1.htm</title>
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    <div>&#160;</div>
    <div>
      <hr style="MARGIN-TOP: -5px; COLOR: #000000" noshade size="4">
      <hr style="MARGIN-TOP: -10px; COLOR: #000000" noshade size="1">
    </div>
    <div>&#160;</div>
    <div style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="right"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman;"><strong><u>Exhibit
      99.1</u></strong></font></div>
    <div><br></div>
    <div style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="left"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman;"><font id="TAB1" style="MARGIN-LEFT: 324pt;"></font><font id="TAB2" style="LETTER-SPACING: 9pt;">&#160;&#160;&#160;</font>&#160;<font id="TAB2" style="LETTER-SPACING: 9pt;">&#160;&#160;&#160;</font>&#160;<font id="TAB2" style="LETTER-SPACING: 9pt;">&#160;&#160;&#160;</font>&#160;<font id="TAB2" style="LETTER-SPACING: 9pt;">&#160;&#160;&#160;</font>&#160;<font id="TAB2" style="LETTER-SPACING: 9pt;">&#160;&#160;&#160;</font>&#160;<font id="TAB2" style="LETTER-SPACING: 9pt;">&#160;&#160;&#160;</font>&#160;<font id="TAB2" style="LETTER-SPACING: 9pt;">&#160;&#160;&#160;</font>&#160;<font id="TAB2" style="LETTER-SPACING: 9pt;">&#160;&#160;&#160;</font>&#160;<font id="TAB2" style="LETTER-SPACING: 9pt;">&#160;&#160;&#160;</font>&#160;<font id="TAB2" style="LETTER-SPACING: 9pt;">&#160;&#160;&#160;</font>&#160;<font id="TAB2" style="LETTER-SPACING: 9pt;">&#160;&#160;&#160;</font>&#160;<font id="TAB2" style="LETTER-SPACING: 9pt;">&#160;&#160;&#160;</font>&#160;<font id="TAB2" style="LETTER-SPACING: 9pt;">&#160;&#160;&#160;</font>&#160;<font id="TAB2" style="LETTER-SPACING: 9pt;">&#160;&#160;&#160;</font>&#160;<strong><u>For
      Information</u></strong></font></div>
    <div style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="left"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman;"><font id="TAB1" style="MARGIN-LEFT: 324pt;"></font><font id="TAB2" style="LETTER-SPACING: 9pt;">&#160;&#160;&#160;</font>&#160;<font id="TAB2" style="LETTER-SPACING: 9pt;">&#160;&#160;&#160;</font>&#160;<font id="TAB2" style="LETTER-SPACING: 9pt;">&#160;&#160;&#160;</font>&#160;<font id="TAB2" style="LETTER-SPACING: 9pt;">&#160;&#160;&#160;</font>&#160;<font id="TAB2" style="LETTER-SPACING: 9pt;">&#160;&#160;&#160;</font>&#160;<font id="TAB2" style="LETTER-SPACING: 9pt;">&#160;&#160;&#160;</font>&#160;<font id="TAB2" style="LETTER-SPACING: 9pt;">&#160;&#160;&#160;</font>&#160;<font id="TAB2" style="LETTER-SPACING: 9pt;">&#160;&#160;&#160;</font>&#160;<font id="TAB2" style="LETTER-SPACING: 9pt;">&#160;&#160;&#160;</font>&#160;<font id="TAB2" style="LETTER-SPACING: 9pt;">&#160;&#160;&#160;</font>&#160;<font id="TAB2" style="LETTER-SPACING: 9pt;">&#160;&#160;&#160;</font>&#160;<font id="TAB2" style="LETTER-SPACING: 9pt;">&#160;&#160;&#160;</font>&#160;<font id="TAB2" style="LETTER-SPACING: 9pt;">&#160;&#160;&#160;</font>&#160;<font id="TAB2" style="LETTER-SPACING: 9pt;">&#160;&#160;&#160;</font>&#160;Brent
      A.
      Collins</font></div>
    <div style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="left"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman;"><font id="TAB1" style="MARGIN-LEFT: 324pt;"></font><font id="TAB2" style="LETTER-SPACING: 9pt;">&#160;&#160;&#160;</font>&#160;<font id="TAB2" style="LETTER-SPACING: 9pt;">&#160;&#160;&#160;</font>&#160;<font id="TAB2" style="LETTER-SPACING: 9pt;">&#160;&#160;&#160;</font>&#160;<font id="TAB2" style="LETTER-SPACING: 9pt;">&#160;&#160;&#160;</font>&#160;<font id="TAB2" style="LETTER-SPACING: 9pt;">&#160;&#160;&#160;</font>&#160;<font id="TAB2" style="LETTER-SPACING: 9pt;">&#160;&#160;&#160;</font>&#160;<font id="TAB2" style="LETTER-SPACING: 9pt;">&#160;&#160;&#160;</font>&#160;<font id="TAB2" style="LETTER-SPACING: 9pt;">&#160;&#160;&#160;</font>&#160;<font id="TAB2" style="LETTER-SPACING: 9pt;">&#160;&#160;&#160;</font>&#160;<font id="TAB2" style="LETTER-SPACING: 9pt;">&#160;&#160;&#160;</font>&#160;<font id="TAB2" style="LETTER-SPACING: 9pt;">&#160;&#160;&#160;</font>&#160;<font id="TAB2" style="LETTER-SPACING: 9pt;">&#160;&#160;&#160;</font>&#160;<font id="TAB2" style="LETTER-SPACING: 9pt;">&#160;&#160;&#160;</font>&#160;<font id="TAB2" style="LETTER-SPACING: 9pt;">&#160;&#160;&#160;</font>&#160;303-861-8140</font></div>
    <div style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="left"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman;"><strong>FOR
      IMMEDIATE RELEASE</strong></font></div>
    <div style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="left">&#160;</div>
    <div style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="center"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman;"><strong>ST.
      MARY ANNOUNCES AGREEMENT TO DIVEST</strong></font></div>
    <div style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="center"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman;"><strong>NON-STRATEGIC
      ASSET PACKAGE FOR $140 MILLION</strong></font></div>
    <div><br></div>
    <div style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="left"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman;"><strong>DENVER,
      December 11, 2007</strong>&#8211; St. Mary Land &amp; Exploration Company (NYSE: SM)
      today announces that it has entered into an agreement with a wholly-owned
      subsidiary of Abraxas Energy Partners, L.P. to sell its previously announced
      divestiture package of certain non-strategic oil and gas properties for $140
      million in cash.&#160;&#160;The package was marketed by Albrecht &amp;
Associates, Inc.</font></div>
    <div><br></div>
    <div style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="left"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman;">Tony
      Best, President and CEO, commented, &#8220;We are pleased to announce this divestiture
      of non-strategic assets.&#160;&#160;The transaction helps rationalize our
      portfolio, while allowing us to focus our resources on projects with more growth
      potential.&#160;&#160;We are utilizing a tax-advantaged exchange structure which
      improves the economics of the transaction by allowing us to defer the gain
      on
      the sale of these properties.&#160;&#160;The proceeds from the sale will be used
      to pay down bank borrowings and will further strengthen our balance
      sheet.&#8221;</font></div>
    <div><br></div>
    <div style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="left"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman;">The
      properties being sold are located primarily in the Rocky Mountain and
      Mid-Continent regions.&#160;&#160;Current production from the properties is
      approximately 12.3 MMCFED, of which 46 percent is natural gas.&#160;&#160;The
      transaction has an effective date of December 1, 2007, and is anticipated to
      close on January 31, 2008, subject to customary closing
      conditions.&#160;&#160;The sale proceeds will be adjusted by closing adjustments
      for the period between the effective date and closing date.</font></div>
    <div><br></div>
    <div style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="left"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman;"><strong>INFORMATION
      ABOUT FORWARD LOOKING STATEMENTS</strong></font></div>
    <div><br></div>
    <div style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="left"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman;">This
      release contains forward looking statements within the meaning of securities
      laws.&#160;&#160;The words &#8220;will,&#8221; &#8220;anticipate,&#8221; and similar expressions are
      intended to identify forward looking statements.&#160;&#160;Although St. Mary
      believes the expectations reflected in these statements are reasonable, it
      can
      give no assurance that they will prove to be correct.&#160;&#160;These
      statements involve known and unknown risks, including the pending nature of
      the
      announced divestiture of non-core oil and gas properties as well as the ability
      to complete the transaction, the uncertain nature of the expected benefits
      from
      the divestiture of oil and gas properties and other such matters discussed
      in
      the &#8220;Risk Factors&#8221; section of St. Mary&#8217;s 2006 Annual Report on Form 10-K/A and
      subsequent Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q filed with the
      SEC.&#160;&#160;Although St. Mary may from time to time voluntarily update its
      prior forward looking statements, it disclaims any commitment to do so except
      as
      required by securities laws.</font></div>
    <div><br></div>
    <div style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="center"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman;">PR-07-22</font></div>
    <div style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="center"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman;">###</font></div><br><br></body>
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