---

---

UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549


FORM 8-K

CURRENT REPORT
Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934


Date of Report (Date of earliest event reported): October 31, 2008 (October 28, 2008)


GASTAR EXPLORATION LTD.
(Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in Its Charter)

1331 LAMAR STREET, SUITE 1080
HOUSTON, TEXAS 77010
(Address of principal executive offices)

(713) 739-1800
(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)

N/A
(Former name or former address, if changed since last report)

Check the appropriate box below if the Form 8-K filing is intended to simultaneously satisfy the filing obligation of the registrant under any of the following provisions:

⃞ Written communications pursuant to Rule 425 under the Securities Act (17 CFR 230.425)

⃞ Soliciting material pursuant to Rule 14a-12 under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14a-12)

⃞ Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 14d-2(b) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14d-2(b))

⃞ Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 13e-4(c) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.13e-4(c))

---

---

ITEM 5.02  Departure Of Directors Or Certain Officers; Election Of Directors; Appointment Of Certain Officers; Compensatory Arrangements Of Certain Officers

On October 28, 2008, Jeffrey C. Pettit informed Gastar Exploration Ltd. (the “Company”) that he would resign from his position as Vice President and Chief Operations Officer of the Company effective November 10, 2008 to pursue other career opportunities.  Mr. Pettit will be assisting the Company in transitioning matters prior to his departure.  Mr. Pettit has no disagreement with the Company on any matter relating to the Company's operations, policies or practices.

This press release is attached as Exhibit 99.1.  Exhibit 99.1 is being furnished solely pursuant to Item 5.02 of this report.

ITEM 9.01  Financial Statements And Exhibits

(d)      Exhibits

The following is a list of exhibits furnished as part of this Form 8-K:

SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned hereunto duly authorized.

EXHIBIT INDEX

- 3 -

---