Drilling Report

    FOR:  TALISMAN ENERGY INC.
 
TSX, NYSE SYMBOL:  TLM
 
September 3, 2003
 
Talisman Energy Drilling Success Leads to Natural Gas Production Records at Bigstone/Wild River and Whitecourt
 
CALGARY, ALBERTA--Successful drilling by Talisman Energy Inc. has led to record high natural gas production rates in a
number of the Company's core areas in Western Canada.
 
In Bigstone/Wild River, Talisman has drilled 25 operated wells year-to-date with a 100% success rate. The Company is
currently operating four rigs. Talisman plans to drill an additional 12 operated wells and participate in several
non-operated wells prior to year-end. Spending in the area in 2003 is expected to be $132 million. Initial production
rates from the new wells have been excellent, including 11-24-57-24W5 at 6.3 mmcf/d, 6-2-57-24W5 at 6 mmcf/d,
3-14-57-24W5 at 5.6 mmcf/d, 2-24-57-23W5 at 5.2 mmcf/d and 6-18-57-23W5 at 3.5 mmcf/d.
 
Talisman operates two plants in the Bigstone/Wild River area. The Wild River plant was expanded in 2002 and connected
to the Talisman Central Foothills Gas Gathering System, resulting in an additional 33 mmcf/d directed to the
Talisman-operated Edson Gas Plant. Plans for further expansion in the fourth quarter of 2003 are in place. Record
production rates have been achieved in Talisman's core Cretaceous play and the Bigstone/Wild River area is currently
producing 85 mmcf/d.
 
In Whitecourt, Talisman has achieved record production and is currently producing over 50 mmcf/d, following a
successful winter drilling program. Year-to-date, 13 operated wells have been drilled with an 85% success rate. The
Company will be operating three rigs in the area during the fourth quarter, adding 14 operated locations prior to the
end of the year. Spending in the area in 2003 is expected to be $41 million.
 
Talisman has 616,000 net undeveloped acres in the Bigstone/Wild River and Whitecourt areas. The Company is planning
another active drilling program in 2004 in the area.
 
Talisman Energy Inc. is a large, independent oil and gas producer, with operations in Canada and, through its
subsidiaries, the North Sea, Indonesia, Malaysia, Vietnam, Algeria and the United States. Talisman's subsidiaries also
conduct business in Trinidad, Colombia and Qatar. Talisman has adopted the International Code of Ethics for Canadian
Business and is committed to maintaining high standards of excellence in corporate citizenship and social
responsibility wherever its business is conducted. Talisman's shares are listed on Toronto Stock Exchange in Canada and
New York Stock Exchange in the United States under the symbol TLM.
 
Forward Looking Statements: This press release contains "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the US
Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, including business plans for drilling and operations, the estimated
timing and amounts of capital expenditures and the assumptions upon which these plans are based. Forward-looking
statements are based on current expectations, estimates and projections that involve a number of risks and
uncertainties which could cause actual results to differ materially from those reflected in the statements. These risks
include, but are not limited to: the risks of the oil and gas industry (for example, operational risks in exploring
for, developing and producing crude oil and natural gas; risks and uncertainties involving geology of oil and gas
deposits; the uncertainty of reserve estimates; the uncertainty of estimates and projections relating to future
production, costs and expenses and the success of exploration and development projects; potential delays or changes in
plans with respect to exploration or development projects or capital expenditures; and health, safety and environmental
risks); uncertainties as to the availability and cost of financing; fluctuations in oil and gas prices; and the
possibility that government policies may change or governmental approvals may be delayed or withheld. Additional
information on these and other factors which could affect the Company's operations or financial results are included in
the Company's other reports on file with Canadian securities regulatory authorities and the United States Securities
and Exchange Commission. Forward-looking statements are based on the estimates and opinions of the Company's management
at the time the statements are made. The Company assumes no obligation to update forward-looking statements should
circumstances or management's estimates or opinions change.
 
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FOR FURTHER INFORMATION PLEASE CONTACT:
 
Talisman Energy Inc.
David Mann, Senior Manager,
Investor Relations & Corporate Communications
[phone]
[phone] (FAX)
Email: [e-mail]
Website: www.talisman-energy.com