RW is correct as the rule states the 6 month confidential period shall commence on the date the well is completed or the date that the written request by the operator is recieved , whichever is earlier. This is generally when the well is completed. If the written request accompanies the application for the permit to drill or is filed after permitting but prior to spudding, the 6 month period shall commence on the date the well is spudded. As RW states, many wells confidential period expires prior to being fracked. The well will indicate "DRL" on the NDIC records when this occurs.