I have been reading the recent posts about the northern Utica and I find it merely speculation. People adding 1 + 3 and telling us it equals 2. 2 being able to anticipate quick development in the northern Utica. Or those ready to stick a fork in the area.

Hilcorp is not Halcon; Hlacon is not Antero, etc etc. The northern Utica is not the southern Utica (different geology). So comparing the actions of one company to those of another or the results each company realizes is a waste of time. I have always believed that Hilcorp was here to develop and not to speculate; and I have always believed that Halcon was here strictly on speculation ( I still have not figured out what BP is doing). And I never believed CHK would develop it's leases in the northern Utica.

So what is my point ? As I have always advised for my friends in Mahoning, Trumbull, Ashtabula, and Mercer county's - Patience our time will come (remember I have skin in this game, I live in Trumbull County). I do not believe in the doom and gloom predictions about these areas;. I also do not believe in the "pie in the sky" predictions being made lately on this site. I do not find speculative cheer leading to be productive. For several reasons development will come slowly to the northern Utica, so we need to "take a pill and relax".

I have always felt that these areas would be developed by companies similar to Hilcorp, medium sized, privately held which develop verses speculate. As for myself I am keeping an eye on an outlier, Tracker-Lario. The company hasn't done much yet, but it's future actions could portend greater development in the northern Utica. I also believe that a company interested in development will buy out Halcon.

Patience is the name of the game right now. I suggest we disregard the cheer leaders and the doom sayers.