Smithton man Simon John Crisp, 44, was killed shortly after midnight on Friday outside the Marrawah Tavern at Marrawah.

Investigations suggest Mr Crisp was shot at close range.

Police advised the community not to be concerned.

"Investigations to date suggest that this is not a random act and it was a targeted attack," acting Commander Mathew Richman said on Saturday.

Rumours of bikie gang involvement could not be confirmed.

Mr Crisp, a keen footballer, performed contract work in animal control for Waratah- Wynyard and Circular Head councils.

He was a father and "good bloke", according to those who knew him.

A member of the community who requested anonymity said the murder had "stunned everybody".

"I just hope whoever's responsible is dealt with in the proper way," the person said.

Circular Head Mayor Daryl Quilliam said Marrawah - a community of about 200 - was "shaken" and had reached out to the man's current and former partner.

Waratah-Wynyard Mayor Robby Walsh said the death of Mr Crisp had come as a "terrible shock".

"It's unbelievable," he said.

"It's very distressing."

The search for the person who killed the Smithton man continued late yesterday.

Anyone with information can contact police on 131444 or Crime Stoppers on 1800333000.