In this paper, the dynamical behaviors of a discrete-time fractional-order population model are considered. The stability analysis and the topological classification of the model at the fixed point have been investigated. It is shown that the model undergoes flip and Neimark–Sacker bifurcations around the co-existence fixed point by using the bifurcation and the normal form theory. These bifurcations lead to chaos when the parameter changes at critical point. In order to control chaotic behavior in the model result from Neimark–Sacker bifurcation, the OGY feedback method has been used. Furthermore, some numerical simulations, including bifurcation diagrams, phase portraits and maximum Lyapunov exponents of the presented model are plotted to support the correctness of the analytical results. The positive Lyapunov exponents demonstrate that chaotic behavior exists in the considered model.