Lifetime fan club membership with the indie rock band will set you back $125 and is limited to 250 lucky fans.

Members will receive a lifetime “The Deer Hunter Passport,” a laminated pass with their picture on it that guarantees “entry into any show, anytime, anywhere in the world.” (The band’s Web site explains that minimal restrictions apply such as getting into festivals, etc. Entry to shows will be determined on an RSVP basis but because the club is so exclusive, this “won’t cause much restriction.”)

The super limited package also includes clear vinyl copies of 2006’s Act I: The Lake South, The River North and 2007’s Act II: The Meaning of, & All Things Regarding Ms. Leading including brand new, never-before seen artwork.

Fans will also get their hands on a download card with several never-before-heard alternative versions of tunes from Act I and Act II as well as a digital-only EP with three brand new songs (unrelated to Act 1-III). The EP will only be available to fan club members.

Additional perks include a signed poster of the artwork for the limited edition EP, a personal thank you in the liner notes of the band’s upcoming album, ACT IV and a hand-written letter from singer-songwriter/producer/multi-instrumentalist Casey Crescenzo.

The Dear Hunter has set up a “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory”-esque contest with one golden ticket included in the vinyl packaging that’s good for a private performance by the band. The winner gets to choose the location, which can take place pretty much anywhere including “a club, living room, backyard, school gym, etc” – as long as it’s in the U.S.

“After the past 4 years of operating on the standard record cycle system, we had been searching for a way to step out of our box,” Crescenzo said. “As soon as this idea was presented, we were offered one creative opportunity after another—re-examining our approach to the visual nature of projects from the beginning of the band at the same time we opened the creative floodgates on new material in our home studio.  We have always held our fans and friends in such high regard, so offering something special like this is truly exciting, and it gives fans a chance to become an even bigger part of what this band is about.”

The fan club package sounds like an absolutely stellar deal. “The Deer Hunter Passport” alone seems like it would quickly make the $125 membership fee worth your while. Still, the lifetime membership brings up a few questions – by signing up for the club, does that mean the band promises to never ever break up? If they do break up, will fans get some of their cash back?  

Click here for The Dear Hunter’s Website.