Tom was born in Victoria, British Columbia in 1964. His father, George Hunt, Sr. is from the village of Fort Rupert and his mother is from Campbell River.

Tom started carving when he was 13 years old. He apprenticed with his father, his brother George Jr., and his uncle, Calvin Hunt. Tom's family owns many high-ranking dances, and he participates in many family potlatches. He works primarily in wood. Tom not only carves pieces for ceremonial uses but also for educational purposes or sale to the contemporary market. He lives in Fort Rupert.