Breath-taking images showing two stags clashing are a sign of what is to come in Suffolk as the deer rutting season gets underway. 

Professional photographer Tom Hynard, from Ipswich, spotted the clash at Helmingham Hall Deer Park on Sunday, September 8.

The clash started in the early hours of the morningThe clash started in the early hours of the morning (Image: Tom Hynard) Mr Hynard says he arrived at the park in the early hours of the morning and noticed the two deers locking horns. 

The images are one of the first clashes captured on camera in Suffolk this year, as the annual deer rutting season approaches which takes place from the end of September to November.

The red deer rut begins in September and lasts until around early NovemberThe red deer rut begins in September and lasts until around early November (Image: Tom Hynard) This often violent activity, which includes roaring vocal battles, charging, intimidation and the locking of antlers, typically takes place just after dawn. However, conflict can also take place throughout the day.

The clashes occur to allow stags to establish dominance and to persuade female hinds that they are suitable partners when they are most fertile.

The thickness of a male stag's neck typically doubles in size during this timeThe thickness of a male stag's neck typically doubles in size during this time (Image: Tom Hynard) The thickness of a male stag's neck doubles in size during the rutting season and their larynx and tongue also drastically change shape.

Photographers and nature lovers should also be warned that stags are full of testosterone at this time of the year causing them to exhibit aggressive behaviour and onlookers are advised to keep well away.

Stags can also be seen wallowing in their own urine during the seasonStags can become extremely aggressive during rutting season (Image: Tom Hynard) Stags can also be seen wallowing in their own urine during rutting season, giving them a distinct darker colour and helping them to create a potent odour which makes female hinds more fertile.

By the end of November, stags are generally exhausted. During two months of fighting opponents, protecting and organising their harem, the stags often have little time to eat, sleep or drink.

Furthermore, many stags are badly injured during the process.

Stags are typically exhausted by the end of the seasonStags are typically exhausted by the end of the season (Image: Tom Hynard) Tom Hynard who captured these images, says he loves to visit Helmingham Hall Deer Park in the early hours of the morning to watch the magnificent creatures in nature.

The 36-year-old has been photographing wildlife in Suffolk as a hobby for the last three years.

Tom Hynard from IpswichTom Hynard from Ipswich (Image: Tom Hynard)