Born in Overton, Nevada, Hunt received a Bachelor of Arts degree from Brigham Young University in 1966 and a Juris Doctor from the George Washington University Law School in 1970.

Hunt was nominated by President Bill Clinton on March 27, 2000, to a new seat created by 113 Stat.

He was confirmed by the United States Senate on May 24, 2000, and received his commission the next day.

Prior to his appointment, he had been a United States magistrate judge on that court from 1992 to 2000.

Hunt is a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.