Duck Hunt is played from a first-person viewpoint through three shooting modes: Game A and Game B present ducks in field scenes, while Game C uses clay targets. The objective is to hit enough targets in each round to advance.

The player aims the NES Zapper at the television and pulls the trigger. Ducks move across the screen and may require more than one shot; missing too many ends the round. Later stages increase the speed and difficulty of the targets. The game also supports two-player participation in some modes, with the second player controlling a duck through a standard controller.

Aim slightly ahead of moving ducks rather than directly at their current position. Fire only when the target is within a comfortable distance from the crosshair, and use short, deliberate shots instead of repeatedly pulling the trigger.

In later rounds, prioritize the fastest or most difficult duck first. For clay shooting, track the target smoothly and lead it along its flight path. Keep the Zapper perpendicular to the screen and use a well-lit CRT television for reliable detection.