Tom Chapin is a native of Hibbing, Minnesota. He earned his bachelor's degree in zoology in 1972 from the University of Minnesota, Duluth, after a two-year tour in the US Army. Most of his 29-year career as a natural resource conservation officer was spent in the Grand Rapids, Minnesota, district, where he also served as area supervisor for seven years. Chief among the honors he received include the 1978 Itasca County Law Enforcement Officer of the Year and the 1985 Minnesota Conservation Officer of the Year.

Tom has also served as adjunct faculty, teaching law enforcement courses at Itasca and Hibbing Community Colleges. The author's campaigning and testimony prompted the Minnesota State Legislature to enact a gross over-limit law. Known as the "Chapin Bill," this law became effective March 1, 2003. It increased penalties, including the loss of hunting and fishing privileges, for violators who take large quantities of game and fish.

Throughout his career as a game warden, Tom took hundreds of photographs documenting illegal activities. These photos were an integral part of his group presentations, which have both educated and entertained audiences interested in natural resources issues. Tom and his wife, Sandy, raised daughters Colleen, Anita, and Beth in Grand Rapids, where Tom retired from public service.