using juniper berries
 

I am visiting some family in the southwest now and I am thinking about make a batch of beer with some local ingredients ... juniper berries and mesquite when I get home. My question is do you pick them green or wait until they are dry? Then I am thinking about using the mesquite to wood age it. Has anyone tried this or have any thoughts?

Thanks in advance

I've used dried juniper berries, making a potion by soaking them in vodka.