Board Thread:Questions and Answers Forum/@comment-98.22.46.137-20151008231500/@comment-26355186-20151009054258

No, you don't need the DLC to get Hawkmoon, as it can drop as Raid loot. However, it will be significantly easier to obtain it if you have the DLC, as you cannot play nightfall or heroic strikes without it. Also, if you get the Year 2 version of Hawkmoon, then you will need The Taken King to use it.