What a great thread, Jollyarcher.
For me, the decision to bow hunt came about for several reasons:
1. More time in the woods, meaning more peace and quiet, more deer to observe, and more fun.
2. More of a challenge than gun hunting can ever guarantee. I would imagine that killing a doe can be a bigger rush for me than it was when I was 11 years old!
3. A chance to catch "Mr. Big" chasing a doe during the rut, since the prime rut is always over by the time gun season rolls around in Maryland.

I'm ready for something new this year. Sure, I'll hunt during opening day of rifle season, but this year, that won't be the beginning nor the end of my season.