I agree with you about not using public funds for this elk transfer. The herd is being wiped out by poaching, and land encroachment. I say poaching, because no user group is supposed to be hunting this herd. (not even the tribes)
Until the state or tribes show that this area can even support existing numbers. I don't think there should be any money wasted on this transfer.
Washington doesn't have enough enforcement to police this area, so essentially you are just wasting money, and viable healthy elk to poachers.