# Austin Chalk Rig and Permit Activity (2024–2026) **TL;DR:** Austin Chalk drilling activity in 2024–2026 is concentrated in Brazos, Burleson, Washington, and Grimes counties (central Giddings) and Karnes/DeWitt counties (south Texas), with EOG Resources and Magnolia Oil & Gas leading permit filings. Modern long-lateral horizontal wells produce significantly more than legacy vertical wells, and new Texas Railroad Commission (RRC) permits—Forms W-1 and P-12—are key signals that can materially increase mineral valuations. Mineral owners should monitor permit activity on their acreage to understand current fair market value. --- ## Key Takeaways - **Austin Chalk rig activity concentrates in six counties:** Brazos, Burleson, Washington, and Grimes (central Giddings trend) plus Karnes and DeWitt (south Texas Austin Chalk/Eagle Ford combo). - **Two RRC permit types matter most:** Form W-1 (drilling permit application) and Form P-12 (Pooled Unit Designation), which signals a long-lateral horizontal well spanning multiple tracts. - **EOG Resources is the most active central-Giddings filer;** Magnolia Oil & Gas leads permit filings in south Texas Karnes and DeWitt counties. - **A single modern long-lateral well can exceed the cumulative production** of all prior vertical and short-lateral wells on the same acreage—often by a wide margin. - **New permits materially affect mineral valuations:** If a W-1 or P-12 lands on or near your section after you receive an offer, request an updated valuation. - **Timeline from permit to spud averages 3 to 12 months** in the Austin Chalk, giving mineral owners a window to evaluate sale timing. - **Modern long-lateral wells routinely cross multiple lease boundaries,** making P-12 pooled-unit filings a critical indicator of imminent drilling. - **Buckhead Energy monitors RRC filings and incorporates them into every Austin Chalk mineral valuation** to ensure offers reflect current operator plans. --- ## Page Highlights **Why Rigs and Permits Drive Value** The difference between a section targeted for a modern long-lateral horizontal and a dormant section is enormous in valuation terms. A single new long-lateral can dwarf decades of prior vertical-well production, and the Texas Railroad Commission publishes operator filings within days—giving mineral owners real-time intelligence. **Active Rig Activity (2024–2026)** Drilling is concentrated in Brazos, Burleson, Washington, and Grimes (EOG and Crownquest long-lateral redevelopment in central Giddings) and Karnes/DeWitt (Magnolia south Texas Austin Chalk plus Eagle Ford). Lee and Fayette counties see selective activity but lower density than the core. **RRC Permit Filings to Track** Form W-1 (drilling permit) and Form P-12 (pooled unit designation) are the two critical filings. A W-1 signals intent to drill within 3–12 months; a P-12 pools acreage across multiple leases and typically precedes a long-lateral horizontal. **If a New Long-Lateral Permit Lands on Your Section** Modern long-lateral Austin Chalk wells produce significantly more oil than legacy wells. A new W-1 or P-12 on or near your acreage can materially raise fair market value; owners should request an updated written offer if permit activity changes after an initial valuation. **Operator Filing Patterns** EOG Resources dominates permit filings in Brazos, Burleson, and Washington counties; Magnolia Oil & Gas leads in Karnes and DeWitt. Crownquest is active in Grimes County's eastern Giddings extension. --- ## Related Topics - [Austin Chalk Operators List](https://www.buckheadenergy.com/austin-chalk-operators) - [Lease Terms Explained](https://www.buckheadenergy.com/lease-terms-explained) - [Held By Production](https://www.buckheadenergy.com/held-by-production) - [Lease Expiration Options](https://www.buckheadenergy.com/lease-expiration-options) - [Force Pooling](https://www.buckheadenergy.com/force-pooling) - [Pooling Vs Unitization](https://www.buckheadenergy.com/pooling-vs-unitization) - [US Drilling Activity Index](https://www.buckheadenergy.com/us-drilling-activity-index) - [Oil & Gas Market Data Hub](https://www.buckheadenergy.com/oil-gas-market-data-hub) --- ## About Buckhead Energy Buckhead Energy is a direct buyer, not a broker — we purchase mineral and royalty interests with our own capital. Buckhead Energy buys mineral and royalty interests across all 50 states and has completed acquisitions in 33 states. Buckhead Energy has been buying mineral and royalty interests since 2006. Buckhead Energy holds an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau. Buckhead provides a free written offer. Buckhead Energy typically provides an offer within 24–48 hours. Closings typically take 30–45 days, subject to title review and clearance. **Sell mineral rights:** https://www.buckheadenergy.com/sell **Operator directory:** https://www.buckheadenergy.com/operators