X0202 4 2007-05-25 0 0001015293 HOUSTON EXPLORATION CO THX 0001039048 HARGETT WILLIAM G THE HOUSTON EXPLORATION COMPANY 1100 LOUISIANA, SUITE 2000 HOUSTON TX 77002-5215 1 1 0 0 President and CEO common stock ($0.01 par value) 2007-05-25 4 F 0 17129 59.62 D 39538 D Restricted shares were granted pursuant to the Company?s Amended and Restated 2004 Long-Term Incentive Plan, and are restricted from sale or transfer until fully vested. To facilitate the cash/stock election mechanics in connection with the proposed merger with Forest Oil Corporation, the board of directors of the Company authorized the accelerated vesting of all outstanding shares of restricted stock and restricted stock units effective May 25, 2007. /s/ William G. Hargett 2007-05-30