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North Dakota Rig Count Drops to 23, Down 3 in Month - Bakken Wire
Rig Report

North Dakota Rig Count Drops to 23, Down 3 in Month

One new rig added in Burke County but two removed in McKenzie County as Bakken activity moderates, while North America sees weekly gain.

Bakken Wire Staff·🌅Afternoon Wire·

North Dakota's active rig count fell to 23 Tuesday, down one from 24 a week ago and three from 26 a month ago, according to Bakken Wire's daily rig data.

The net decline of one rig from Monday reflects one new rig entering the play and two rigs departing.

New rig

Firebird Services LLC spudded the T&S Drilling 2 at 161-93-1 in Burke County, the only new rig reported Tuesday.

Rigs removed

Devon Energy Williston LLC removed the Pronghorn 7 from its location in McKenzie County at 151-102-27. Burlington Resources Oil & Gas Company LP removed the Noble 6 from 151-96-7, also in McKenzie County.

No rigs changed location Tuesday.

Broader context

The Bakken's 23-rig count continues a gradual decline from 26 a month ago and 24 a week ago. The drop comes as the broader North American market shows a different trend.

According to Baker Hughes' latest North America rotary rig count, released Tuesday via Rigzone, the continent added 26 rigs week on week. The Rigzone report, published July 21, 2026, said North America "went back to adding rigs week on week."

The divergence highlights the Bakken's relative restraint compared to other U.S. basins. While national activity has ticked up, operators in North Dakota have kept a tight grip on capital spending, with the current count hovering near the lowest levels of the past 12 months.

Operator implications

For Bakken operators, the removal of two rigs in McKenzie County – a core area for both Devon and Burlington – suggests continued focus on high-grading inventory rather than broad expansion. The addition of a single new rig in Burke County by Firebird Services, a smaller service provider, indicates some niche activity remains in less central areas.

Royalty owners in McKenzie County may see short-term production impacts from the two rig removals, though those rigs may relocate to other pads or be stacked entirely.

What to watch

The Bakken's rig count has now fallen three times in the past month. If the North American uptick continues in subsequent weeks, it could signal a potential turn for North Dakota, but Tuesday's data offers no immediate reversal.

Source

Bakken Wire live rig data, Rigzone/Baker Hughes

rig countnorth dakotabakkenfirebird servicesdevon energyburlington resourcesmckenzie countyburke countybaker hughesrigzone

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