Reduce Risk Before the First Drill Bit Turns
Helping operators identify, evaluate, and prepare optimal well locations for successful wildcat drilling projects.
Why Wildcat Projects Fail
A wildcat well is a bet placed where there's no proven production nearby. The geology might be right — but the location decisions made before the rig arrives are where money is quietly won or lost.
Poor Site Selection
Choosing a surface location on instinct instead of data puts the entire well — and the prospect — at unnecessary risk.
Incomplete Planning
Gaps between the geology, the surface, and the drilling plan turn into change orders, downtime, and blown AFEs.
Environmental Surprises
Wetlands, drainage, protected habitat, and terrain issues discovered late can stop a project cold.
Regulatory Issues
Setbacks, spacing, and permit requirements vary by jurisdiction. Miss one and your spud date slips.
Costly Drilling Mistakes
A location moved after permitting, or a pad that can't support operations, multiplies cost fast.
Infrastructure Challenges
Access roads, lease boundaries, power, and water that weren't planned for become expensive afterthoughts.
How Thompson Well Location Minimizes the Risk
We work the surface side of your prospect before the rig is ever scheduled — evaluating terrain, access, regulatory constraints, and infrastructure, then recommending and staking the location that gives your well the best chance of success. The result is fewer surprises, cleaner permitting, and a drilling plan your team can trust.
Wildcat Location Services, End to End
From first prospect map to final staked location, we cover every surface decision that stands between your geology and a drillable well.
Well Location Planning
Surface locations chosen against geology, terrain, access, and regulation — not guesswork.
Site Evaluation
On-the-ground assessment of buildability, drainage, slope, and surrounding conditions.
Field Survey Coordination
We organize and direct survey crews so your location data is accurate and on schedule.
Regulatory Assistance
Setbacks, spacing, and agency requirements handled so permitting stays on track.
Location Staking
Precise physical staking of the well, pad, and access so crews build the right spot.
Mapping & GIS
Survey-grade maps and GIS data your geologists, landmen, and drillers can all work from.
Drilling Location Consulting
A second set of expert eyes on the surface plan before you commit capital.
Wildcat Exploration Support
Specialized support for true wildcat plays with little or no offset data to lean on.
Surface Planning
Pad layout, access roads, and surface use planned for real operations and real terrain.
Permit Preparation
Location packages prepared and documented to move smoothly through the permit process.
From Prospect to Staked Location
A straightforward five-step process designed to keep your project moving — and to catch problems while they're still cheap to fix.
Initial Consultation
We learn your prospect, timeline, and goals — at no cost and no obligation.
Property & Geological Review
We review acreage, geology, and existing data to frame the location problem.
Site Evaluation
On-the-ground assessment of terrain, access, drainage, and regulatory constraints.
Well Location Recommendation
A documented, staked recommendation your team and permit process can rely on.
Project Support
We stay available through permitting and spud to keep the location on track.
Operators Don't Drill Blind. They Call Thompson.
Wildcat work rewards judgment built over decades in the field. That's exactly what we bring to every location.
Experience
Decades of wildcat and exploratory location work across changing geology.
Accuracy
Survey-grade precision so the location you approve is the location that gets built.
Fast Turnaround
We respond quickly and keep your project on its drilling timeline.
Industry Relationships
Established ties with surveyors, agencies, and crews that smooth your project.
Communication
You always know where your location stands. No silence, no surprises.
Local Knowledge
Real familiarity with the terrain, rules, and conditions of the regions we serve.
Flexible Support
Engage us for a single location review or full-project support — your call.
Client-First
Your prospect, your capital, your call. We advise; you stay in control.
Trusted by Operators & Explorers
Reviews from clients across our service regions. (Placeholder cards — ready for real testimonials.)
Add a real client quote here about a wildcat project where the location work paid off. Two or three sentences works best.
A second testimonial focused on responsiveness and communication — what it felt like to work with Rob through permitting.
A third testimonial about accuracy and avoiding a costly mistake. Keep it specific to the result, not generic praise.
Service Area & Growing
We currently work wildcat and exploratory locations across our core regions, and we travel for the right project. Coverage is expanding.
Interactive Map Ready
Drop in a live Google/Mapbox embed here to show service regions, past projects, and expansion markers.
Wildcat Location FAQ
What is wildcat drilling?
How early should I contact you?
Do you work with independent operators?
Can you help before leases are finalized?
What information should I have before contacting you?
Do you travel for projects?
Schedule a Wildcat Consultation
Tell us about your prospect. We'll review it and get back to you within one business day — usually faster.