Quinton Phelps, PhD

Quinton works closely with cooperators to help them identify their research and management needs while ensuring that all research conducted is aligned with the USGS mission.
Dr. Phelps grew up in Southeast Kansas and developed an obsession for hunting and fishing. This passion to provide back to the hunting and fishing community led his career path. Quinton received undergraduate degrees from Coffeyville Community College and South Dakota State University coupled with graduate degrees from South Dakota State University and Southern Illinois University – Carbondale. Prior to joining the CRU, Quinton worked as a state fisheries biologist and most recently was an Associate Professor of fisheries and wildlife biology. In his current role, Quinton and his team of students concentrate their efforts in traditional fisheries management, invasive species (carp and snakehead) suppression and eradication, population dynamics modeling, animal movement patterns, and innovative technologies (e.g., artificial intelligence, live-view sonar). Quinton is excited to join the South Dakota unit where he will work with alongside partner agencies to bolster opportunities for hunters and anglers.