I don't remember the stick shelter, I guess that was to keep the angry bunnies out lol.
I seem to recall they thought it would be a good wind-break and that would be enough to keep them warm with their sleeping bags (I don't think it was!).
I still don't know much about Les Stroud but his name keeps coming up so I'll have to check him out.
Les Stroud is the guy who started the whole survival show ball rolling and is, arguably, one of the best TV survival guys (if not the best). His original show, Survivorman, has him alone for 7 days in the wilderness with just his cameras & a very limited amount of gear. He's definitely the real deal ... and a fellow Canuck

. I recommend checking out his works.