Yes, it is common and there is a very good reason why. The good operators frequently choke back production to enhance the recovery from the field. If they let every well produce with an open choke then the natural pressure of the field declines too quickly and the production will die off rapidly leaving quite a bit of hydrocarbons in the ground. The pressure is why propels the hydrocarbons to the surface. High pressure seeks low pressure. Think of a soda bottle. If you leave it open on the counter, the fizz leaves immediately and you are left with flat soda. If the natural pressure from the field dies, then the operators have to spend quite a bit of money to either put the wells on artificial lift or begin secondary recovery methods which are quite expensive. Might not be worth it in some types of reservoirs. The best method is to balance the pressure in the fields between the wells and attempt to get the most product out of the ground using nature to help.
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