X0202 3 2005-04-11 0 0001015293 HOUSTON EXPLORATION CO THX 0001323594 Sherrick Jeffrey B THE HOUSTON EXPLORATION COMPANY 1100 LOUISIANA ST., SUITE 2000 HOUSTON TX 77002 0 1 0 0 Sr. V.P. Corporate Development common stock ($0.01 par value) 7500 D common stock ($0.01 par value) 2000 D employee stock option (right to buy) 55.09 2006-04-11 2015-04-11 common stock 20000 D Restricted shares were granted on April 11, 2005 pursuant to the Company's 2004 Long-Term Incentive Plan, which are subject to transfer restrictions that generally expire on April 11, 2010 as set forth in the award agreement. Employee stock options vest in five equal annual installments beginning on the first anniversary of the date of grant and expire 10 years from the date of grant. /s/ Jeffrey B. Sherrick 2005-04-13