Following are frequently asked questions and answers. They are divided into four topic areas: Counties, NDACo, Oil, Gas & Minerals and Voting & Elections.
Please read through them first, and if you don't see an answer to your queestion, to ask your own question, please send an email to jeff.eslinger@ndaco.org. We will respond to you by email, and if we feel others would be interested in the same question, we'll post it below for everyone.
There is really no way to KNOW that there is oil under your land except to drill for it. For most folks, hiring that exploration would be too expensive, but you can certainly find out if there are active wells nearby, which would increase your chances, and then contact the companies drilling nearby and let them know you are willing to work with them if they are interested in exploring on your land.
Where County Government can help you is primarily in the Recorders Office, where you can be certain what your actual mineral rights are. If you have any doubts about whether your rights are still in force, etc. It would be wise to make that inquiry with the Recorders Office before approaching any oil exploration companies.