How does kicking ass work at different range increments, specifically if the monster/threat has a lesser range than the hunter and vice versa?

I'm guessing that the hunter would still need to roll to see if they inflict harm, and I assume that a monster isn't going to be able to reciprocate harm at a greater range than they are capable of inflicting.

For the case of the monster having a greater range increment, is there any way of the hunter attempting to prevent damage to him or herself prior to actually being able to kick ass?