Illegal hunters drove through the locked gate to get onto the private property before killing the animals.

Oxley police said there had been several reports of illegal hunting recently in the Piallaway and Currabubula areas, on the outskirts of Tamworth, including the September 11 incident.

Anyone who witnessed suspicious activity or vehicles in the area is being urged to call Tamworth police on 6768 2999.

Police have warned it is a criminal offence to trespass with a firearm with offenders facing maximum penalties of five years, if convicted.

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Meanwhile, an officer has returned to work after being punched in the face in Tamworth.

Police said they were called to reports a male was having an offensive outburst in Kirkham Street in Oxley Vale about 4pm.

As two officers approached a 35-year-old male, he is alleged to have lunged forward and struck a male officer in the face.

Police took hold of the man, and a violent struggle ensued on the road where officers allege the man continued to resist, and lash out.

The man was eventually subdued and arrested. He’s been charged with assault police causing actual bodily harm and resisting police.

The officer suffered swelling and bruising to the face and was treated by paramedics and has since returned to work.

He will appear in court in October.