I've been a serious hunter for over 20 years and, though, it may be a bit harder to get out of bed as the season progresses the early morning still calls me. As long as you "do it right" and don't become an obsessed poacher it will always be exciting.
Early in my hunting career I was tempted to sneak up on a big buck with my .32 muzzleloader during a squirrel hunt. Yep, out of season. But, I held my composure and suppressed that inclination. But that kept knawing at me that that would be an easy way to bag a deer. Then one morning at church, while I wasn't really paying much attention, the Lord let it be known to me that if I poached then I would be robbing myself from all the enjoyment I derive from this wonderful sport. I made it a committment to Him, me and in front of a friend that day not to give in to that temptation.
Just a few days later while out squirrel hunting with a buddy a young deer stood up. My partner raised his .22 and said a shot between the eyes would drop it. I told him not to even consider it. Sometime later he went up north and confided to me that with his BIL he poached a moose but was very remorseful of it. He ripped his desire, or the enjoyment, of hunting right out of his life for nearly 20 years because of a selfish decision and he knew it. He lives on a great farm with aboundant wildlife but couldn't hunt because of that act.
Do it right and you will always look forward to hunting season.