Abstract: A retrievable whipstock which can be hydraulically set within a wellbore and following the drilling procedure mechanically released and retrieved for future use. The whipstock includes a whip which directs a milling tool from the main well and a hydraulically actuated packer or anchor for setting the whipstock in the wellbore. The whip includes ratchet teeth on its side edges for mating engagement with a retrieval tool. The retrieval tool includes a nose piece to ensure proper orientation relative to the whipstock and a clamping ring with ratchet teeth to engage the teeth of the whip. The whipstock is released through the application of tension through the retrieval tool allowing removal from the wellbore.