Getting that time of year that the buds get bigger. I'd like to collect some and make some oil. Anyone got instructions?

Also can anything similar be done with alder? I have access to lots of that.

Distillation not tincturing. Google is your friend.

You ever heard of Balm of Gilead? Its an ancient medicine to relieve pain of arthritis, joint or muscle pain. Still made by many and some real relief. Contains Salicylic acid , a metabolite of aspirin. It is made by picking buds from poplar or cottonwood when they are sticky with sap. (the same time beaver are nuts over it) Put the buds in a jar and barely cover them with extra virgin olive oil. Put the jar in a pan of water and heat to a simmer. An old crock pot would be great. Just put the buds and oil straight in. In the water bath cook 4-5 hours and pour the oil through a colander removing the buds. The oil is balm of Gilead.

I have not tried that as a beaver attractant but it is pungent and I think they would like it.

Thanks Danny! Do you think mineral oil would be better for use in a lure?

I don't know. Like I said haven't used it to trap with.

Thanks Traprjohn. Found a good article on distilling essential oils

Apparently grapeseed oil has very little smell. I might try that and mineral oil before I go to the trouble of building a distiller.