A confrontation between a Michigan couple and a state conservation officer has escalated into a legal battle over alleged violations of privacy and constitutional rights. Dennis and Daynelle Vanderlaan have filed a complaint in the United States District Court for the Western District of Michigan on November 24, 2025, against Cameron Wright, a conservation officer with the Michigan Department of Natural Resources. The lawsuit accuses Wright of trespassing on their private property and unlawfully detaining them during an encounter that occurred on November 15, 2025.
According to the complaint, Dennis and Daynelle Vanderlaan were engaged in lawful hunting activities on their privately-owned land in Newaygo County when Officer Wright allegedly entered their property without permission or a warrant. The plaintiffs claim that Wright approached their hunting blind, initiated accusatory questioning without any suspicion of wrongdoing, and effectively detained them by blocking their exit while armed. “Defendant Cameron Wright’s entry and approach were for the purpose of gathering information for possible enforcement action—not for any community-caretaking purpose,” states the complaint. The Vanderlaans argue that this conduct constituted an investigatory seizure requiring reasonable suspicion.
The plaintiffs assert that they experienced fear, anxiety, and distress during the encounter, which was captured on video. Despite acknowledging that the Vanderlaans had valid licenses and had committed no offenses, Wright allegedly threatened to write a report to send to the prosecutor. This threat forms part of the basis for additional claims against Wright under federal law for unlawful detention and malicious prosecution. The Vanderlaans allege that Wright’s actions violated their Fourth Amendment rights by conducting an unreasonable seizure and attempting to initiate prosecutorial proceedings without probable cause.
In seeking justice from the court, Dennis and Daynelle Vanderlaan are requesting several forms of relief. They seek nominal damages for trespass under state law, as well as injunctive relief to prevent future unauthorized entries onto their property by Officer Wright. Additionally, they request compensatory and punitive damages under federal law for violations of their Fourth Amendment rights. The plaintiffs also seek an order requiring the destruction or expungement of any data or reports generated from what they claim was an illegal detention.
The case is being handled by attorney Philip L. Ellison from Outside Legal Counsel PLC based in Hemlock, Michigan. The case identification number is 25-cv-1541 but does not specify which judge will preside over it.
Source: 125cv01541_Dennis_Vanderlaan_v_Cameron_Wright_Complaint_Western_District_of_Michigan.pdf
