Rocky Mountain mule deer are found throughout the Prescott National Forest. Other big game animals such as white-tailed deer, elk, antelope, javelina, and black bear are forest dwellers. Furbearers include weasel, mink, beaver, fox, raccoon, and badger. Small game animals are Abert and gray squirrel, cottontail, and jack rabbit. Forest dwelling birds are also plentiful.
Game birds represented are the wild turkey, band-tailed pigeon, dove, quail, and waterfowl.
Bird watching is a very popular sport for many visitors, and the many different species of song birds and cavity nesters will test the knowledge of even the most experienced bird watcher. There are a number of lakes and the Verde River that provide opportunities for the fishing enthusiast. Trout fishing is available at Lynx Lake, while crappies, bluegill, and sunfish are found at Granite Basin Lake and Horsethief Reservoir. The Verde River offers fishing for channel catfish, smallmouth bass, and bullheads. The forest is also home to several threatened or endangered plant and animal species including the Bald eagle, Spikedace, Gila monster, and Arizona cliffrose.