For 2003, a total of 29,984 wells (19,722 natural gas wells, 6,284 oil wells, and 3,978 dry wells) were drilled in the United States.
Thanks for the info. I'm very surprised it is so high. I work on field development exploration is finished so I am only exposed to the successful wells.
Individual wells are not the same as a geological area. I will give you million to one odds there is oil to be produced out of ANWR 1002 area, the coastal plain. The oil seeping out of the ground is a likely indication of the presence of oil.